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Dancing Head Bobbers

11/21/21

by Susie Ellen Golden Ferguson

The title of my Hip-Hop Cue is “Dancing Head Bobbers”.

The composition is written in the key of D Minor, 4/4 time, at 90 BPM.

My likes, struggles, and methods for composing “Dancing Head Bobbers” were bittersweet for sure. I really like the Hip-Hop motif in the piano melody. It sets the mood for a fun and playful composition, and seemed to come easy for me because it jump-started my creativity.

My melody on the piano is straight up - Hip Hop phrasing, which I think you will find quite delightful when paired with rhythmic jazzy riffs. Added legato and staccato strings satisfy the appetite for a little more classical, orchestral style.

Since I like tambourines, I explored a range of styles, and once I settled for a style, I layered the drum beats to tracks.

Of course, the next natural course of action was to lay down the bass track. This method was particularly challenging because the composition needed more of a moving bass line. So, I added a lot of melismatic base licks on top of the traditional bass line.

Once I layered the bass track, I chose the trombone. The trombone has a very comforting sound, and this instrument has become a staple for helping to jumpstart my creativity.

I struggled with developing the authentic Hip-Hop hard beat, because I am an “Old School”-R&B/Gospel, classically trained, type composer. Yet, I learned through my challenges that Hip Hop does not have to be hard, or aggressive. In fact, I discovered a pleasant nuance with a more moderate style beat.

Finally, the beat is prominent and well-defined enough to live in the Hip-Hop genre.

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Southern Roots

I was inspired to compose a musical piece that would express my Southern musical roots of the Mississippi Delta, because I can relate to the experience, the style, and emotions of the genre. I grew up in Clarksdale, Ms., which is the heart of the Delta, near Memphis,Tn. In the South, Blues is as much a staple for the soul, as grits and bacon for breakfast are to the southern appetite. Moreover, Blues chords are also common in all forms of music, and therefore the genre is appreciated beyond the Southern experience.

The beginning theme of this composition was written in the key of A Minor, and the second theme was written it its relative key , C Major. The first 12 measures use Harmony chords in A Minor: Am, Em, Bdim, and F. The mood of the beginning of the Melody provides no hint that a dramatic change is going to take place later in the composition.

At the beginning of measure 12, the original theme easily transitions into a 12 Bar Blues which is set up to begin at measure 13. The triple layers of rhythms, guitar motifs, and a harmony vocal track alert the listener that something different is about to happen.

When the composition transitions to C Major, measures 13 through 25 feature an acoustic 12 Bar Blues, utilizing 7th chords of C7, F7, and G7, adding an element of surprise, and richness to the composition. Contrasting the first theme in A Minor, Measure 13 is layered with fills to quickly transition into the new key, and a new mood. The bluesy guitar inflections add flavor without overwhelming the Melody Lead.

The new key of C Major ends at measure 25. Utilizing an F7 to conclude the original theme provides another surprising, and seamless transition back to the original key of A Minor, re- introducing the original theme for 6 more measures. At measure 31, before the final measure 32, a Cdim was used, along with a Minor Minor chord(no 3rd), to alert the listener that the ending is about to happen soon.
Multiple layers of Harmony and Lead Synth tracks were used to develop rich texture and depth, and to embellish the sound of the composition. The smooth sound of the vocals and Harmony chord combinations evokes the emotions, as well as keeps the listener engaged up to the end of the composition.

Finally, measure 32 ends with one major surprise, by taking us to a long-awaited home, and the composition ends on a simple, but powerful C Major triad to resolve.

8/1/21 Susie Ferguson

8/1/21
Susie Ferguson