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Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic synth riffs, sequences, bass lines and pads on an original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.
The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and one of its most distinctive. Andy Whitmore recreates 23 famous synth parts associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, The Cars, Styx, LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Van Etten and more, using an original vintage Jupiter-4.
The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and although it was later overshadowed by the Jupiter-8, it appeared on some enormous records.
In this episode, record producer and keyboard player Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic riffs, sequences, bass lines, brass sounds, pads and synth hooks using his original vintage Roland Jupiter-4.
Its raw oscillators, distinctive ensemble effect, unusual modulation and famously unpredictable arpeggiator gave the Jupiter-4 a character unlike almost any other synthesizer. It growls, spits, wobbles and frequently sounds as though it has a mind of its own.
The episode features music associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Thomas Dolby, John Foxx, The Cars, Styx, Michael Jackson, LCD Soundsystem and Sharon Van Etten.
Every musical example has been recreated and performed on Andy’s original vintage Jupiter-4.
TRACKS FEATURED
Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short
Main lead line — 1980
The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
Bass — 1981
Depeche Mode – New Life
Intro synths — 1981
Duran Duran – Rio
Arpeggiated sequence — 1982
Duran Duran – Rio
Middle-eight brass pad — 1982
Simple Minds – Theme for Great Cities
Lead, pad and distorted Jupiter-4 — 1981
Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands
Bass and resonant drone — 1981
Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough
Intro, lead, bass and Roland KR-55B drums — 1981
Michael Jackson – Thriller
Intro brass-pad recreation — 1982
The original sound is more commonly associated with the Jupiter-8’s dual mode.
The Human League – Open Your Heart
Bass and brass riff — 1981
The Cars – Shake It Up
Arpeggiator and organ riff — 1981
Depeche Mode – Photographic
Bass sequence, lead riff and upper sequence — 1981
Doctor Who
Trombone part from the television theme — 1980
Thomas Dolby – Windpower
Lead, bass and brass riff — 1982
The Human League – The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
Lead and bass — 1981
The Human League – Dreams of Leaving
Sequenced bass — 1980
Depeche Mode – Tora! Tora! Tora!
Bass — 1981
The Human League – Seconds
Bass, pad and strings — 1981
Heaven 17 – Geisha Boys and Temple Girls
Random arpeggiator — 1981
Gary Numan – This Wreckage
Multiple Jupiter-4 parts — 1980
LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep?
Sequence — 2017
Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4
Bass and outro lead — 2018
John Foxx – Europe After the Rain
High string line — 1981
The Jupiter-8 may have become the superstar of Roland’s Jupiter range, but the Jupiter-4 has a raw, unstable and slightly dangerous quality that remains completely its own.
Which Jupiter-4 sound surprised you most? Let me know—and tell me which classic synthesizer I should explore next.
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