The Beauty of Simplicity: Unpacking Complexity in Music, Design, and Business

Dan talks about a 1984 performance of Sergio Mendes’s “Never Gonna Let You Go” he recently saw online. Rick Beato, of the session musicians who worked on the song, was amazed by the incredible complexity of what seemed like a simple pop tune.

Jeffrey explains the “complications” in watch-making, and how they’re prized in more expensive watches.

Dan highlights the significance of Shakespeare, whose complex characters continue to provide insight into human nature hundreds of years after the author’s death.

Because of his Ohio farmland roots, Dan Sullivan feels a connection with blue-collar workers like mechanics, drivers, and dock workers. Jeffrey also highlights the shift in societal re-evaluation of the value of front-line workers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pair discuss the life and work ethos of Lloyd Price, the subject of Jeffrey’s musical currently running in Chicago. They highlight his never-changing perspective towards his roots and his grounded personality throughout his successful career.

Frenetic modern social platforms like TikTok and “fast fashion” demonstrate the short lifespan of work that’s simple without context.

Something that seems simple can contain a great deal of complexity, and understanding this requires an appreciation for context.