The Ultimate Fusion Keyboard Solo

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a fusion keyboard solo performance, highlighting the exceptional skill and dedication required to achieve such mastery. Hiromi, a renowned pianist born in Hamamatsu, Japan—the headquarters of Yamaha Music—is noted for her technical prowess and connection to Yamaha’s musical heritage. The conversation draws parallels between Hiromi’s work and Dick Hyman’s 1970s album "The Moog and Me," emphasizing the use of a triggered bandpass filter (envelope follower) effect. Additionally, the discussion references Henry Mancini’s "Baby Elephant Walk," illustrating the orchestral instrumentation and its influence on fusion keyboard sounds.

PREREQUISITES

  • Understanding of triggered bandpass filters and envelope followers in synthesizers
  • Familiarity with Yamaha music instruments and their historical significance
  • Knowledge of fusion keyboard techniques and performance styles
  • Awareness of classic fusion and Moog synthesizer music, including Dick Hyman’s work

NEXT STEPS

  • Study the technical application of envelope followers in modern synthesizers
  • Explore Hiromi’s discography and live performances for advanced fusion keyboard techniques
  • Analyze Dick Hyman’s "The Moog and Me" album for historical synthesis methods
  • Research orchestration techniques used in Henry Mancini’s compositions, focusing on "Baby Elephant Walk"

USEFUL FOR

Keyboardists, fusion musicians, synthesizer enthusiasts, and music producers interested in advanced keyboard techniques, synthesis effects, and the historical context of fusion music performance.

Hornbein
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I paid hundreds of dollars (airplane ticket and lodging) to see this band back then. I did that because I know such things don't last more than a few years. To play like this you've got to be completely obsessed. Sooner or later you are going to want to have a larger life. Most people tire of touring too, The Rolling Stones notwithstanding.

However I don't recall Sonicbloom being anywhere near this good so I didn't really hit it. This may have been a couple of years later.

Hiromi was born in Hamamatsu (Port Pine), the headquarters of Yamaha music. They started out making organs, that's why their logo is three tuning forks. They heavily promote music education for the young and have made Japan the music capital of the world. Most people don't know that yet, but perhaps they will. The West has pretty much given up on popular music, opting for cheaply produced extruded musical Cheez-Whiz.
 
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This is pretty cool, it reminds me of Dick Hyman and his The Moog and Me album of the 1970s.

This is the title song:

 
Last edited:
jedishrfu said:
This is pretty cool, it reminds me of Dick Hyman and his The Moog and Me album of the 1970s.

This is the title song:



They are similar. That effect is a triggered bandpass filter, sometimes called an envelope follower. This tune reminds of Baby Elephant Walk, which was a hit back then.

 
Yes they do sound similar. In the Moog case, the Whistler was Dick Hyman and the other eclectic sounds was a Moog synthesizer.

In the Henry Mancini Baby Elephant Walk, the instruments were orchestral piccolos to bass tubas. The piccolos for the baby and the tubas for the big Mama Elephant. The song was for the movie Hatari with John Wayne and Elsa Martinelli set in an African safari camp where the business was capturing wild animals for zoos.