Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast

Music in this episode:Miles Davis - “Shhh/Peaceful” (1969)Charlie Parker - “Donna Lee” (1947)Miles Davis - “Four” (1954)Miles Davis - “Milestones” (1958)Miles Davis - “Freedom Jazz Dance” (1967)Mahavishnu Orchestra - “Birds Of Fire” (1973)Donald Byrd - “Fufu” (1969)Miles Davis - “Shhh/Peaceful (Early Version)” (1969)Subterra - “Celestial” (2009)Lala Sinephro - “Space 1” (2021)Here’s a transcription of Miles’ trumpet solo from “Shhh/Peaceful”.For more background on the album, I recommend Paul Tingen’s book Miles Beyond: The Electric Explorations of Miles Davis, 1967-1991. Get full access to Ethan teaches you music at ethanhein.substack.com/subscribe

Music in this episode:Grateful Dead - “Beautiful Jam (Live in Port Chester, February 18, 1971)”Update: after recording this, David Gans informed me that he named the Beautiful Jam, and also recommended its inclusion on the So Many Roads box set. You can hear David play the recording for Phil Lesh on the Grateful Dead Hour in 1997; it was the first time Phil had heard it since performing it. Hear more of Bob Weir’s finest moments: Get full access to Ethan teaches you music at ethanhein.substack.com/subscribe

Music in this episode:Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - “Dancing In The Street” (1964)The Beatles - “The End” (1969)Santana - “Oye Como Va” (1970)Pink Floyd - “The Great Gig In The Sky” (1973)The JBs - “Doing It To Death” (1973)Bob Marley - “Lively Up Yourself” (1974)Stevie Wonder - “I Wish” (1976)Grateful Dead - “Fire On The Mountain” (1977)Parliament - “Flashlight” (1978)Michael Jackson - “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1979)Frankie Beverley & Maze - “Before I Let Go” (1981)Janet Jackson - “When I Think Of You” (1986)A Tribe Called Quest - “Can I Kick It?” (1990)Deee-Lite - “Groove is in the Heart” (1990)Lauryn Hill - “Everything Is Everything” (1998)Mary J Blige - “Family Affair” (2001)Migos - “Versace” (2013)Tom Tom Club - “Genius of Love” (1981)Related:More about “Genius of Love” and nonsensical chord loopsAndrea La Rose - Two Chords Get full access to Ethan teaches you music at ethanhein.substack.com/subscribe

RIP Bob Weir, who sang the Grateful Dead’s cover of this song.Music appearing in this episode:Martha Reeves & the Vandellas - “Dancing in the Street” (1964)Sly & the Family Stone - “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1969)Grateful Dead - “Dancing in the Street” (1977)David Bowie & Mick Jagger - “Dancing In The Street” (1985)Ramsey Lewis Trio - “Dancing in the Street” (1967)For background on Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and on Motown generally, see Andrew Hickey’s excellent 500 Songs podcast episode on “Heatwave.” For the story of the song’s role in the 1960s civil rights movement, see Ready for a Brand New Beat”—“How ‘Dancing in the Street’ Became the Anthem for a Changing America by Mark Kurlansky. You can also read a review of it here. Get full access to Ethan teaches you music at ethanhein.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into an exploration of D'Angelo's influential musical legacy as the host reflects on four iconic tracks. Discover the intricate grooves of "Brown Sugar" and its captivating instrumentation. Get into the off-kilter charm of "Playa Playa" and its unique timing. Uncover the collaborative essence of "The Root" alongside Charlie Hunter's guitar mastery. Finally, revel in the rich arrangements of "Really Love" from Black Messiah. The conversation artfully bridges D'Angelo's artistry and his lasting impact on music.

A nine-year-old superfan shares her love for David Byrne, describing how she fell for his music through 'American Utopia.' The duo recounts their thrilling family experience at Radio City Music Hall, highlighting the concert’s energetic atmosphere and unforgettable choreography. Bernadetta discusses her favorite songs, critiques the concert's sound, and expresses disappointment over a missing track. They also explore how younger fans connect with Byrne's present-day persona and how Bernadetta is inspired to create her own music and performances.

Explore the intricate world of Bach's Chaconne, as personal challenges in learning it on guitar unfold. Dive into the historical context and the unique structure of the piece, filled with harmonic surprises and textural nuances. Discover how warping performances can illuminate its dance origins, and enjoy an Afro-rock remix that adds a fresh twist. Engage with listeners’ reactions and the fascinating adaptations this masterpiece has undergone through the years.

The podcast dives into the intricacies of blues music, exploring how traditional Western tonal theory fails to capture its essence. It highlights unique chord progressions and the importance of the dominant seventh chord. Listeners learn about expressive harmonica techniques that define the genre's sound. The discussion critiques conventional music education while emphasizing the need for more inclusive frameworks. Eye-opening examples from iconic artists like John Lee Hooker and Ray Charles reveal the deep historical roots and innovative nature of the blues.

Delve into the complexities of John Coltrane's 'Giant Steps,' a piece that redefined jazz education and raised unrealistic expectations for musicians. Explore Coltrane's tumultuous journey, his creativity during 1960, and the innovative depths of jazz improvisation. The discussion touches on free jazz's polarizing nature, the importance of emotional expression over technical perfection, and the humorous misinterpretations often encountered by students. Discover how intuitive melody playing and modern reinterpretations can enrich the jazz experience.

Dive deep into 'Once in a Lifetime' by Talking Heads, unraveling its artistic complexity and cultural significance. Explore the creative collaboration with producer Brian Eno and the intricate musical elements that shape this iconic track. Discover how the power of repetition transforms meaning in various covers. The podcast also delves into the synergy between hip-hop and dance music, emphasizing emotional lyrics and innovative sampling techniques that connect generations. Uncover the musicality of language, revealing how rhythm and pitch enhance communication.