Dirty Loops‘ “Lost In You” was released on their 2014 album Loopified. The whole song is a total bop, but the key change at 3:04 is definitely a highlight.
From AllMusic’s review of the album, executive produced by David Foster: “…one part jazz fusion trio, one part electronic dance outfit, and one part contemporary pop act. Dirty Loops certainly have chops to spare and layer each track with enough jazz-informed chord progressions, arpeggiated six-string basslines, frenetic drum fills, and melismatic vocal breakdowns to fill any number of Stevie Wonder albums (to name-drop an obvious influence). Thankfully, they also don’t forget to bring the pop melody…”
Category: Henry
Barry Manilow and Bette Midler | (I’d Like to Get You on a) Slow Boat to China
“(I’d Like to Get You on a) Slow Boat to China” is a Frank Loesser tune, originally published in 1948. It has been covered by pop artists ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Miss Piggy. Today we feature Barry Manilow and Bette Midler in a 2005 performance on The Today Show. The easy rapport resulting from Barry and Bette’s longterm status as accompanist/music director and vocalist/touring artist (respectively) is clearly on display here. The first of two key changes is at 1:40, and it’s even announced!
On My Way (from “Violet”)
“On My Way” is the opening number of the first show I music directed at my alma mater, St. Olaf College — Jeanine Tesori‘s VIOLET. It sets the stage beautifully for the show, thanks in large part to the key changes! The song starts in F major and modulates to D at 1:42. At 2:30 there is a transitory bridge before a return to D at 2:57, and a final shift up a step to E at 3:32. This recording is from the 2014 Broadway production starring Sutton Foster.
Voctave | Moon River
Here is another rendition of “Moon River” by Henry Mancini, originally from the Breakfast At Tiffanys soundtrack (1961). This performance by Voctave features modulations at 1:36 and 2:23.
Stevie Wonder | Sweetest Somebody I Know
Stevie Wonder‘s “Sweetest Somebody I Know” is from his 2005 album A Time to Love. From AllMusic’s album review: “Many of these songs, save for their warm and polished digital production values, could have easily found a home in Talking Book, Music of My Mind, or any of the other albums for which Wonder will forever be praised. In an age when the majority of R&B is about money, drugs, infidelity, or getting it on, Wonder‘s lyrics (especially during the love songs) recall the simplicity and innocence of early Motown without sounding trite.” The key change is at 3:01.
Joey Scarbury | Believe It or Not
“Believe It or Not,” performed here by Joey Scarbury, was the theme song for the 1980s TV show The Greatest American Hero, and was also a Billboard Top 40 hit. Direct whole step modulation at 2:24.
Voctave | Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Voctave has released a new album entitled Somewhere There’s Music featuring this arrangement “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” the track below. Modulation at 1:47, but do yourself the favor of listening to the whole thing.
The Star Spangled Banner
Happy 4th of July to all! We’re not even going to attempt to describe this 2016 video, but rest assured that there are key changes!
Kerrigan-Lowdermilk | Hand in Hand
Kerrigan-Lowdermilk‘s “Hand in Hand” (2013) is performed here by the incomparable Lindsay Mendez at Feinstein’s/54 Below. Starting in G major, the song appears to do a traditional half step modulation to Ab at 2:06, but then deceptively goes a half step higher three seconds later (!) to eventually settle in A major. I love this 4-hand piano rendition with Brian Lowdermilk and Paul Staroba, but the full band arrangement, below, is definitely worth a listen as well.
The Lady Must Be Mad (from “Illyria”)
“The Lady Must Be Mad,” performed here by Gavin Creel, is from the 2002 Off-Broadway musical Illyria, written by Peter Mills. The key change is at 2:13, but it’s a powerhouse vocal performance throughout.
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