Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast You Can Call Me Al
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Jun 28, 2025 Dive into the rich tapestry of Paul Simon's 'You Can Call Me Al,' exploring its harmonic complexity and the cultural echoes it raises. Discover the unique interplay of Western and South African musical traditions. Hear about the vibrant compositions and live performance challenges from the 1980s. Reflect on the songwriting process in 'Graceland' while acknowledging the essential contributions of various artists. Unpack the impact of apartheid on music, celebrating the vital role of South African musicians in the global landscape.
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Simple Scale, Complex Harmony
- Ethan Hein shows the song's harmony uses only F major scale notes but layered parts imply different functions, creating subtle harmonic conflict.
- The result is a modal, floating feel rather than strict Western functional tonality.
Bakithi Kumalo's Fretless Origin
- Bakithi Kumalo is the track's musical hero and plays fretless bass which shaped his vocal, singing bass sound.
- He learned on a cheap fretless instrument and mastered precise intonation over time.
Rhythm Places Weight Backwards
- Isaac Machali's drum pattern shifts weight to the back half of the bar with four-on-the-floor and snare on beat four, differing from Anglo pop norms.
- That placement plus tight timekeeping gives the groove a distinct South African feel.
