From the 1940s onward, there has been a greater diversity of sounds and instruments used in country music. Right along with the fiddle, steel guitar, banjo, harmonica, and mandolin—the harpsichord is included on occasion—even as far back as the late 1950s. I admit that I found this very surprising.
Harpsichord continues to be used in recordings—sometimes only in the background, but often it takes a prominent role. I find it fascinating how many ways this versatile instrument is used.
This blog is the third in a series that explores the use of harpsichord in popular music. The harpsichord continued to be used after the 1960s to provide a background filler or a distinctive timbre for solos.
In the 1940s and 1950s (outside of classical music) the harpsichord had been more or less a prop or novelty instrument in jazz and popular music. During the 1960s, the harpsichord became an unlikely star. It was everywhere and in all kinds of music—from TV and movie themes, to jazz, country, soul, easy listening, and of course pop . . . especially Baroque Pop and psychedelia. This blog is the second in a series that explores the use of harpsichord in popular music.
Several years ago, much to my surprise, I realized that I have been hearing the harpsichord in literally hundreds of songs on the radio and in recordings for years. Why have I never noticed that? I decided to research the use of harpsichord in popular music.
Scientists say that on average it takes sixty-six days for a new behavior to become automatic—it can depend on the person and the circumstances. In some instances, experts say it can take as long as 254 days for people to form a new habit. I confess that consistency has never been my strong point. However, over a hundred days ago I committed to composing music every day.
Too many mass shootings have happened this year. One is too many—and any number is dizzying and makes everything else seem unimportant. Issues of life and death put everything else in perspective. Sometimes I don’t feel inspired to write. Sometimes I have so many feelings it is impossible to write about them. Why bother?
I am fascinated with singers who are also drummers. The two crafts seem like opposites since, on the surface, drumming is all about rhythm and singing is all about melody.
As I looked outside this morning, I could not ignore the beauty in the awakening foliage and flowers. Try as I might to look away, to remain in a somber mood, and believe that all is lost—I could not stay in that mental space. Spring can’t be ignored.
I mentioned in a previous blog, “Momentum,” that I started composing every day. Here is an update on that endeavor. As of April 1, 2023 I am on day fifty of daily composing. This small bit of creativity is a priority. I wish I could say I jump in each day with joy and vigor. Well, I am joyful on some level, but it also brings hesitations, questions, and insecurities. During the week when I work at my day job, I have little energy left. Sometimes it is not physical, but rather I feel that I have used up my brain power—my ability to think clearly or creatively. One idea that has come to the forefront in my daily composing is the idea that our limitations might be our strengths.
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