The Musician's Loupe – Details, episodes & analysis

Listen to the song we're discussing:

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr6f26I2cBI&pp=ygUYdnVsZnBlY2sgaGFsZiBvZiB0aGUgd2F5 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3uFp6gGgNMtSEmzx1cHTG4 
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/half-of-the-way-feat-theo-katzman/1436319130 
• Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B081ZLBTR1?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Gu5DAmMNThAfAbN7TVhRRknB4&trackAsin=B081ZLYTFK 

References

• More about Larry Goldings - https://youtube.com/@larrygoldings?si=1vAyRthG1Tbos6MQ 

Key Takeaways

• “Half of the Way” is a song by Vulfpeck, a funk and soul band. This particular song has a strong pop structure, catchy hooks, and retro sound
• The discussion includes a discussion of the role of a bridge in pop music, and discusses how different this one is from the main body of the song
• The Mailbag portion of the discussion focuses on the relationship between social media and the music industry, and the ongoing importance of live performances and word-of-mouth

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Contact us

• Email us at: themusiciansloupe@gmail.com
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusiciansloupe/ 
• Talk with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@themusiciansloupe...

Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXe2HzFOJYQ 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/71GvlH0VdeClloLIkHrAVu?si=86a85fa9cc56478c 
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/diamonds-on-the-soles-of-her-shoes/529574619 
• Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0085LMFAE?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_InQKPS94PVgshxXsoqYCrDrci&trackAsin=B0085LMI9W 

Key takeaways

• Trist and Elaine discuss “Diamonds in the Soles of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon in collaboration with the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This song showcases the rich musical traditions of South Africa and addresses themes of class disparity and cultural integration during the apartheid era
• The lyrics of the song incorporate South African cultural elements, such as the "sign of a teaspoon" and "sign of a wave," which reference specific taxi signals in South Africa, adding depth and context to the narrative
• In the Mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine explore the idea that musical ability is not solely dependent on innate talent but can be cultivated through dedication and practice, emphasizing that anyone can achieve a decent level of musical proficiency with effort

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the song

1. YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1d5c1fVxSA
2. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3TQbr3G3U5wlwEJejmqC1F
3. Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/never-on-the-day-you-leave/1224353385
4. Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B06Y3HV2N3?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_gArDR5BzTxFt1Suiqwo03YUHf&trackAsin=B06Y3R6LPH

Other links

1. “Further Notes on Scenius,” May 2017, Austin Kleon, quoting Brian Eno on the term “Scenius”

Key takeaways

1. Trist and Elaine discuss the storytelling and lyrical depth of John Mayer’s song “Never on the Day You Leave,” highlighting its emotional journey and impactful outro
2. The song's minimalistic instrumentation, including acoustic and clean electric elements, creates a sense of intimacy and supports the poignant lyrics, emphasizing the emotional weight of the narrative
3. In the mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist emphasize the critical role of local music venues and audiences in fostering emerging artists and creating a thriving music community

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the song

1. YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWnyCxva6bA
2. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6BdiFsPMPkSEEO4fFXFVWX
3. Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/workin-day-and-night/186166410
4. Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00138KJY0?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_n0DKAlMsv9XvZL5bSVgX5cY0z&trackAsin=B00137QO0O

Other links

1. Hocket in horns breakdown
2. Jackson family demo of Workin’ Day and Night
3. Horns in the NY subway station (Lucky Chops)

Key takeaways

1. In this episode, Trist and Elaine explore how Michael Jackson incorporates the ancient musical technique of hocket, originating from 13th-14th century choral music, into his song "Workin' Day and Night," creating a seamless melody from alternating instrumental parts
2. The discussion highlights the rich, human elements of the "Off the Wall" album, including live brass sections, hand drums, and vocal percussive sounds, contrasting it with later albums that relied more heavily on synthesizers and programmed sounds
3. Elaine and Trist discuss how musicians with corporate jobs can play a vital role in the music industry by using their income to fund projects, pay fellow musicians, and sustain their passion for music while maintaining financial stability

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal

Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://youtu.be/Hr1M6wWBei0?si=ygI48sWUK1WvFumB 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/20DUr5qMlguUSIeVsquajt?si=90324010b59a4cc7 
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/in-the-still-of-the-night-ill-remember/270027184 
• Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00138JBLM?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_nzxPmWqf3yYHOkPUPqfx65MuE&trackAsin=B001389W7A 

Other links

• Take 6
• The Five Satins
• The Bobs
• The Persuasions
• Vulfpeck

Key takeaways

• Trist and Elaine discuss Johnny Mathis' rendition of "In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember)" with Take 6, highlighting the unique arrangement and the contrast between Mathis' wide vibrato and Take 6's tight, straight-toned jazz harmonies
• The hosts analyze the distinct features of Take 6's arrangement, including close vocal harmonies, walking bass lines, syncopated backgrounds, subtle jazz chord tensions, and the use of vocal techniques to mimic instrumental sounds
• In the mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine discuss different approaches to merchandise, such as limited runs, and how these strategies can help artists create a sense of exclusiveness and urgency to purchase. ​ They also touch on evaluating the return on investment of merchandise sales, especially for indie artists​

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated...

Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07svdMmaQbM 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/4rnTlPjfyaDtKVhq9ZYryy?si=bcbff13656ac43f5 
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/over-the-rainbow/1444164049 
• Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B000W15BNS?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_1lz8YoMjapO1PSPL3SaW0Iyma&trackAsin=B000W190LM 

Other links

• Pete Kelly’s Blues (1955)
• “Sing a Rainbow,” Peggy Lee

Key takeaways

• Trist and Elaine discuss Lorez Alexandria’s take on the jazz classic “Over the Rainbow,” which introduces an intro from “Sing a Rainbow,” performed by Peggy Lee in “Pete Kelly’s Blues.” Topics include the relationship with theme and variation, back phrasing, and the push and pull with jazz instrumentalists
• In the Mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine reflect on the importance of creativity and expression in helping people connect, discover their true selves, and understand the human experience. They go on to discuss what type of activity to them brings meaning and connection in the context of an artist’s contribution to the world

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG0eW6zHoyc 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/2thU0AOHF6C9Iwnrch1oHA?si=7a2cab7b25b848a3 
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/if-you-believe/202777729 
• Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00138CRKY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_dpAh3rAcWNutnxKDLPr1dx5Z3&trackAsin=B00137RMKK 

Key takeaways

• Kenny Loggins' song "If You Believe" from his 1991 album Leap of Faith features a unique a cappella intro that features three female singers who all had successes as background singers and successes as solo artists: Sheryl Crow, Siedah Garrett, and Ruth Pointer
• This song can be taken in context of the world history in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as well as in the context of Loggins’ career
• In the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss the importance of external feedback, both in individual and group settings, in helping musicians grow

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLDXORRDpo&list=RDFrLDXORRDpo
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/37Coai9PTZrf39716Ypi0S
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/never-dreamed-youd-leave-in-summer/1443793772
• Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B000VWPMX2?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_SAOWAZX6uO74jq9sKAZbYD40N&trackAsin=B000VWQXJY

Key takeaways

• Despite Stevie Wonder’s typical full band sound, this ballad is a minimalistic experience, with just a piano, upright bass, and a light orchestra and choir
• Like most of his music, Stevie Wonder creates unexpected chord progressions that deviate from traditional music rules. However, these chord progressions never distract, only enhance his music
• Elaine and Trist also discuss album order and how it could be influenced by the limitations of available technology, and how it differs from creating a set for a live set
• In the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist explore the concept of a “calling” in music

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Contact us

• Email us at: themusiciansloupe@gmail.com
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusiciansloupe/ 
• Talk with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@themusiciansloupe

Join us for this special bonus episode: Trist and Elaine introduce themselves, cover their own musical backgrounds, and share why they’re doing this podcast.

Other Links

• The LHR Project
• Take 6
• m-pact
• Pentatonix
• Straight No Chaser
• The Manhattan Transfer
• Naturally 7
• The Swingles

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Contact us

• Email us at: themusiciansloupe@gmail.com
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusiciansloupe/ 
• Talk with us on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@themusiciansloupe 

Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDgAKf6pE6I&list=RDKDgAKf6pE6 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/4sluRx2AOutiE6pVszQfZ0 
• Apple Music - https://open.spotify.com/track/4sluRx2AOutiE6pVszQfZ0 
• Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07VGP8RCW?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_OnOs1Dd5AHZ7VTB6bC1Si32Zb&trackAsin=B07VCH4ZX8 

Other links

• There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, by Kevin Evers
• “Here It Goes Again” music video, OK Go
• Pomplamoose Patreon

Key Takeaways

• The featured song, “The Laundromat Swing,” is a clever and compact duet by Racahel and Vilray, released in 2019 but styled to emulate 1940s music
• The recording style mirrors the 1940s, using a single high-quality microphone and live balancing, which adds warmth and authenticity to the sound. ​
• The song's lyrics are clever and nostalgic, using 1940s slang and focusing on a lighthearted, relatable topic about making a good impression
• In the mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist discuss the importance of marketing and branding for creatives, emphasizing that quality alone is often not enough for success

About us

Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross.

As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent.

Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Contact us

• Email us at: themusiciansloupe@gmail.com
• Follow us on Instagram: