Bonne Fete

The Power of the Fifth

Octaves, fourths and fifths are the most consonant of all the intervals in music. This is found to be true across cultures and around the world and may be somehow inextricably linked to our DNA and how humans process sound. (see This Is Your Brain on Music)

As a pianist and composer I'm acutely aware of these facts in both my writing and performance. Above all I have come to embrace the fifth, it's structure and alterations in building and enhancing chord progressions. I encourage all students of music to digest thoroughly the "Circle of Fifths" and all its implications early in their study of music theory. Know the look of it, the sound of it, the power of it.

Power? Well, yes. Once any chord assumes the function of the dominant (the V chord of any key centre) then the next chord in any particular progression is evident. Yes, uh-huh, I know not all progressions move in fifths but eventually fifths emerge to round out any progression. It is a rare thing if they don't.

For instance, consider: Beginning on a C chord move down a minor 3rd to Am then down a major 3rd to F, up a major 2nd to G and then, finally, down a fifth (up a fourth) to C. (I-vi-IV-V-I). But what if we consult our circle of fifths and instead of moving down a 3rd from Am to F we decide to go Am down a fifth to Dm, then down a fifth to G then down a fifth to C (I-vi-ii-V-I)? We would have an infinitely more satisfying progression with great strength of resolution from chord to chord. Thus the power of the fifth.

This is perhaps an oversimplification of the whole concept but know that this is but the tip of an enormous iceberg that once explored will change how you listen to, play and write music.

More on fifths in chord progressions

Six Days

Remember dear students that it's the six days between lessons when the rubber meets the road. Practice well. Unleash your greatness.

Torbay Theatre

Been having a very interesting month as MD for Torbay Theatre. A fun little play called Treasure Cove by playwright Ben Pittman. A ghost story with lots of local music dispersed throughout.

Opening night Wednesday, August 10 at 8pm in the Kinsmen Centre, 1 Bauline Line.

Wonderful energetic, talented cast. A joy to work with. Run ends on the 28th.

Pre-order our New CD and get free rewards!

Busy Times

Just a quick update.

Taking on a lot of new enterprises these days. Playing keys with Shawn Beresford and "The Soulution". Got a couple of great shows lined up for June 3 and 4, 2010 at the Bella Vista, Torbay Road, St. John's called "Hard Times: Ray Charles and the Fathers of Soul".

Busy with Traces Dance Band throughout the summer, dates to be announced here in a later blog.

Johnston and Lear to be playing the Wreckhouse International Jazz and Blues Festival July 15 at the Martini Bar on George.

Preparing some new music for the festival, writing some choral music for publication.

Stay tuned for details. Carpe Diem!

The times are getting to me

I realize that I hate cell phones, blackberry's, smart cars (or the need for them), bicycles with more than 3-gears, polyphonic synths, midi anything, digital recording, silly fruity mixed drinks, the blandness of the digital camera, fast food, faster food, designer dogs, the need for speed, anything marketed as convenient, new or improved, people who don't understand the importance of history, Photoshop, CuBase, Pro-Tools, cars made of plastic devoid of chrome, accounting, accounting software, microwavable Indian food, puns in newspaper headlines, illteration in newspaper headlines, newspapers, cable TV, power mowers, fossil fuel, politics, anarchy, love as portrayed in art, role playing games (isn't life enough?), drunk people, angry drunk people, drunk people who think they're funny, corporate yoga, corporate martial arts, formal anything, money, news, TV news, the smugness of CBC, American TV, Canadian TV, what passes for humour, Celtic anything (what's wrong with my culture? Please, I am not Irish!!), music that stoops to please, art that fails to express, art that fails to impress, the need for more, the desire for bigger, movies that depend on CGI to get the point across, movies that try to get a point across, anti-aging products, life-prolonging products, foods and supplements (die, already) the smugness of youth, MADD, the Cancer Society and other finger-waggers, sometimes a cigar is just a smoke, classic rock (grow up already), current rock (grow up already),Elvis Costello (grow up already), Danny Williams on his bad days, socials and parties and mixers, watches that do more than telltime, world music, klesmer, books by Nora Roberts, buses with advertising all over the outside, rollerball pens, schools and lists.

Playing a supporting role

This week I've had the privilege of playing "auxiliary keys" in the Ta Da Events production of the Rocky Horror Show. I have always played the primary piano/kbd role and have been conductor or MD. But this is great! It's refreshing to play "colour". A little organ here, some strings there.

With the multi-talented Bill Brennan as MD the pit feels safe. I can put all my energy into enhancing the solid rock output of the band. Thanks Bill.

Thanks to Terri as well for once again making me feel at home in her wonderful productions.

Looking forward to many such future collaborations.

Peace