Rhythmic Blue

By: Gail L. Nobles
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Rhythmic Blue is a show about Jazz singers by Gail Nobles ©️2023.
    Copyright 2023
    Show More Show Less
Music
Show More Show Less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • The Soulful Fusion-Save the Children 12:14:24 2.11 PM

    The Soulful Fusion-Save the Children 12:14:24 2.11 PM
    Dec 14 2024
    Photo: Tamla - Billboard, page 1, 27 April 1974
    Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain

    When we dive into Marvin Gaye's "Save the Children," it’s clear that while the song has some jazz influences, it is R&B and soul. Let’s discuss the key elements that highlight its classification, with a particular focus on instrumentation and arrangement, and why they elevate it above a mere categorization as jazz.

    First, let's talk about the instruments used in the song. "Save the Children" has a rich arrangement of music, which is typical of soul music. The strong use of strings and horns gives it a deep, emotional sound that feels warm and powerful. These sounds bring out strong feelings and connect with listeners deeply. While jazz also uses a lot of instruments, it usually focuses more on improvisation and the skills of individual musicians, highlighting solo talent rather than a shared emotional experience. Gaye’s way of doing things here emphasizes the overall message and how the sounds come together, which is a key part of R&B.

    Additionally, the arrangement of "Save the Children" further cements its soul credentials. The song is structured to allow Gaye's voice to shine, with layered harmonies and background vocals that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics. This emphasis on vocal expressiveness and lyrical storytelling is a defining feature of soul music. The arrangement serves to support Gaye’s heartfelt delivery, allowing his commentary on social issues to connect powerfully with listeners.

    Moreover, the thematic content of "Save the Children" aligns closely with the soul genre's traditions of addressing social justice, love, and human experiences. Marvin Gaye's urgent plea for the wellbeing of future generations reflects a genuine concern for societal issues. This message, underscored by his smooth yet impassioned vocal delivery, is a defining trait of soul music, which often seeks to connect with and uplift the community.

    Jazz has rich emotions and spontaneous parts, but "Save the Children" really stands out because it sends a strong message with deep feelings. Marvin Gaye's smooth singing and the soulful music connect powerfully with people's struggles and hopes, giving it lasting appeal across different music styles, even though it is clearly based in R&B and soul.

    So while "Save the Children" features jazz elements, it is born out of the rich tradition of soul music.

    You're listening to Rhythmic Blue. I'm your host: Gail Nobles
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Aretha Franklin & Jazz 8:3:24 8.36 PM

    Aretha Franklin & Jazz 8:3:24 8.36 PM
    Aug 4 2024
    Photo: Ryan Arrowsmith
    Usage: Wikimedia CC BY 2.5

    According to Rolling Stone, young Aretha Franklin moved from Gospel to jazz in the early 60s. She sang a song entitled Nobody Like You. I love how she sang jazz, and I love how she played the piano. We know that she had a voice for pop, blues, gospel, and soul. And she sounded so great singing jazz. I like the way she pronounced and played around with words and singing. There's probably a name for that, but I don't know what you call it. Aretha Franklin must have had something on the inside to be able to carry out the sound that she had. To be able to sing and use her voice the way that she did.

    I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for tuning in to Rhythmic Blue, and check out Aretha’s song Nobody Like You.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Sade-Smooth Operator 7:15:24 9.00 PM

    Sade-Smooth Operator 7:15:24 9.00 PM
    Jul 16 2024
    Intro: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Thilo Parg - Own work
    Wikipedia Usage: CC BY-SA 3.0

    When I think of jazz, I think of Sade’s song Smooth Operator. It is a single from her debut studio album Diamond Life (1984). It was released as the album’s third single in the United Kingdom.

    In the United States, "Smooth Operator" was released in February 1985, serving as the album's second US single. The song became Sade's first top-10 entry in the US, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in May 1985. It spent 13 weeks in the top 40, and also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks.
    Although "Your Love Is King" remains Sade's highest-peaking single in the UK to date, "Smooth Operator" is the band's breakthrough single on the US charts, and their most successful single internationally.

    You’re listening to Rhythmic Blue. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins

What listeners say about Rhythmic Blue

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available