A lesser-known beauty from 1971 — a slice of “Little Stevie” Wonder’s nearly bottomless catalog of musical miracles. Co-written by Syreeta Wright, the tune only made it to #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it remains one of the most enduring of Stevie’s many ballads. Modulation at 1:41.
Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan + Yo-Yo Ma | Attaboy
Classical musicians don’t always experiment with other genres, but famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma makes a regular habit out of it. Ma has collaborated regularly on jazz projects — but here, he and his band of noted Bluegrass/Americana players present a smooth, lyrical sample of a style often called Newgrass from 2011. Mod at 2:43, then back to the original key at 4:14.
Jonny May | Despacito
Guest post from MOTD member Alex Mosher:
A cover of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” (2017) with a modulation around 2:40. The original might have six billion views, but this cover adds something very new.
From Jonny May’s website: “Teaching piano is one of my greatest joys, and over the past 15 years, I’ve helped over ten thousand students take their piano playing to the next level.” He performed as a Main Street Disneyland pianist for over nine years and has over 30 million hits people with his Youtube videos.
David Bowie + Pat Metheny | This is Not America
David Bowie released a 1985 collaboration with composer and guitarist Pat Metheny for the soundtrack of the movie The Falcon and the Snowman, including this standout track, “This Is Not America.” Modulation around 1:22.
For Good (from “Wicked”)
Today we feature “For Good” from Wicked (2003); this version is from the Out of Oz series; the modulation (around 3:10) is definitely a high point. Also featuring Bryan Perri on the keys.
Judy Garland | As Long As He Needs Me
Today we feature the incomparable Judy Garland singing “As Long As He Needs Me” (1964). Not many can match her in terms of raw emotional power, and she certainly delivers here. Key change around 3:15.
Elis Regina + Tom Jobim | Aguas de Marco
The 1972 Brazilian jazz classic “Aguas de Marco” (Waters of March) performed in Portuguese by Brazilian music legends Elis Regina and Tom Jobim (aka Antonio Carlos Jobim). The bridge arrives, bringing something very new along with it, at 1:48!
Reign of Kindo | The Hero, The Saint, The Tyrant + The Terrorist
The Reign of Kindo, a NYC-based quintet which frequently adds lots of extra instrumentation, has been releasing music somewhere between funk, jazz fusion, and progressive rock for over a decade. Featuring a 5/4 time signature, this 2013 tune modulates four times: during an instrumental break (3:13 and 3:20) and again at 3:28 and 3:42.
They Just Keep Moving the Line (from “Smash”)
Today, we feature Megan Hilty singing “They Just Keep Moving the Line” from the TV show Smash (2012). While the show itself turned into a bit of a soap opera, some really incredible songs came out of it, and this is one of the best. Modulation at 2:06, but the whole performance is fantastic. Enjoy!
Seal | Prayer for the Dying
Seal‘s 1994 track “Prayer for the Dying,” which charted in both the US and the UK, pivots between two keys at each transition between verse and chorus (and vice versa). The title is a little misleading: the track overflows with funk energy and Seal’s trademark enigmatic lyrics. Mods at 1:07, 1:40, 2:01, 2:31, 3:00, and 3:44
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