Advertise on podcast: The Musician's Loupe

Go beyond the beat with Al Jarreau’s “Roof Garden” in this bonus episode on groove, timing, dance, and the musical pull of a great pocket. As a special gift, we’re releasing some parts of the conversation that ended up on the cutting room floor. We go from the song’s 100 bpm mid-tempo feel and how it connects surprisingly well to CPR training, then bring the full discussion about dance and synchronized swimming as a parallel to describe how the concept of musical pocket might be explained. This bonus episode also explores the lyrics, tracing playful references to waltzing, Fred Astaire, boogie, and funk, all while talking about the nostalgia and enduring joy of returning to the dance floor. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/Wq8JczZ_ul4Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1CpDrx0Q7f2Wv3tBXDMt6z?si=2944455a1e9e406b Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/roof-garden/321976299 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/tracks/B002FVRTII/?ref=dm_sh_Q0A5Z9aqkl75VUyqp2M1LoLzy Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoT Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Al Jarreau’s “Roof Garden” gets a deep musical listen in this episode of The Musician’s Loupe, from its early-’80s jazz-funk shuffle to its irresistibly precise groove. Trist and Elaine unpack the all-star session players (Jay Graydon, Jerry Hey’s horn section, Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, and George Duke) while tracing Jarreau’s vocal range: guitar-like wah-inflected phrasing, tight doubled vocals, scat improvisation, and layered harmony. In the mailbag, Elaine and Trist answer an audio-engineering question about mix details that most listeners miss but engineers always hear. Their conversation moves from stereo panning, reverb placement, and making room for every instrument in a recording to the live-sound realities of piercing high frequencies, muddy EQ, and feedback. Drawing on concert and mixing anecdotes, Elaine and Trist explain why protecting hearing matters for musicians, especially for singers listening for pitch, blend, and harmony, and make the case for keeping musician’s earplugs close at hand. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/Wq8JczZ_ul4Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1CpDrx0Q7f2Wv3tBXDMt6z?si=2944455a1e9e406b Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/roof-garden/321976299 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/tracks/B002FVRTII/?ref=dm_sh_Q0A5Z9aqkl75VUyqp2M1LoLzy Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoT Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

A Broadway classic gets a haunting new life in Michael Johnson’s 1997 minor-key take on “Almost Like Being in Love.” In this episode, Trist and Elaine focus on its acoustic texture, slide guitar, reverb, jazz chords, and tension-building pedal tone, describing how the arrangement turns an exuberant love song into something more reflective and uncertain. In the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist discuss touring’s physical demands, from disrupted sleep, flights, and time zones to the constant need to perform and socialize at full energy, comparing it to other types of business travel. They also compare traditional touring with other types of touring opportunities, like longer-term cruise ship work. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/1vUGpubwbCE?is=E0rrX8m_S3z24SItSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6Q5LVfycFDxVZYgThynTTW?si=130b165357eb4eaeApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/almost-like-being-in-love/691175510Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/tracks/B00EOZW8RU/?ref=dm_sh_CNFsOdPCL4cTynB6rf0P83KNX Other links 1978 version of this song by Michael Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPXmzJ392VAMusician’s Loupe episode on Björk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-V4pfEMr4g&pp=0gcJCTcMAYcqIYzvPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Explore the intersection of bluegrass and indie rock through Nickel Creek’s cover of "Hayloft." Trist and Elaine dissect Nickel Creek's faithful interpretation of Mother Mother’s song, unpacking the musical tension, innovative instrumentation like the Greek bouzouki, and how the band preserves the original’s intensity while infusing their signature acoustic sound. The discussion delves into arrangement choices, vocal effects, and the role of musical osmosis on tour. In the Mailbag segment, the discussion turns toward the challenges adult musicians face balancing creativity with corporate life. Eland and Trist offer honest perspectives on integrating creativity into all parts of life and managing the inherent friction between a creative life and a day job in a non-musical field. This candid conversation provides solidarity and practical wisdom for musicians striving to keep their creative passion alive in everyday life. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/Si3zSXXkEMcSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6dacQ4sqYOVuQKTzSBK2de?si=4466875fd1f64bd6Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/hayloft/821289810Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/tracks/B00IL645IS/?ref=dm_sh_4eUDdXcvfdQ8HzSV4iHSpE2Xy Other links Original song by Mother Mother - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFt0s7crDfoWikipedia article on the Bouzouki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BouzoukiPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

India.Arie's "Summer" stands out as a genre-blending gem, and this week’s episode explores the song's instrumentation via the collaboration of Rascal Flatts and legendary bassist Victor Wooten. India.Arie's takes a detour from her classic R&B into a lighter, almost country sound, combining light harmonies, creative chord progressions, and orchestration with a summery, cross-genre appeal. In the Mailbag section, we respond to insights about essential music industry terminology, offering practical advice for musicians navigating showcases, bookings, and collaborations. We emphasize that clear communication and humility are more valuable than jargon alone. This segment is packed with real-world tips for artists at any stage, making it a must-listen for those looking to strengthen their professional toolkit in the music business. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wu819TDx0ESpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7wib8BDGImkvksc7GD42al?si=8e5510f0c2b64bc5Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/summer-feat-rascal-flatts-victor-wooten/1443496621Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B073GTX2TJ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_mMuSSRHzJE1NhChrO0PguOK4a&trackAsin=B073GVGDWK Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This week, we review a fresh take on a classic as this episode dives into the all-star rendition of "Cool" from West Side Story, featuring powerhouse musicians like Patti Austin, members of Take 6, Branford Marsalis, Jerry Hey, and Bruce Hornsby. From lush vocal textures and a beat-heavy instrumentation, this track bridges the original musical's intent with a contemporary, funk-infused sound. We cover the creative process, the significance of each artist's contribution, and the broader context of the benefit album celebrating Bernstein's legacy. In the Mailbag segment, the conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of music production, sparked by a discussion about preparation in the context of modern recording. Trist and Elaine share real-world studio experiences, discuss the balance between preparation and technology, and reflect on how accessibility to recording tools shapes today's music. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3MfF3J-HwESpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/2qh6LKRa61QMKupv6DoZlH?si=0f7dcd3255cf4cf9Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/cool/298515474Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B073HH293K?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_nDOb5fb1JaFZRgwjEAbqMEW9t&trackAsin=B073HFBFQ5 Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Discover a hidden gem from Harry Connick Jr. as Trist and Elaine review "There Is Always One More Time," a soulful duet featuring the late Reverend James Moore. In this episode, they explore the song's likely spontaneous recording process, the emotional impact of knowing about Moore's passing before the song’s release, and the unique chemistry between the two artists. Listeners will appreciate insights into the song's structure, its message of hope and community, and the broader context of Connick's prolific career. In the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist tackle a question from Threads about the most dreaded tasks in audio mixing, sharing their personal experiences with tuning vocals, cleaning up poorly recorded tracks, and the challenges of miking instruments. Their candid conversation offers practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned musicians, emphasizing the importance of experimentation, learning from experts, and developing a critical ear for both live and studio settings. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/h3Abokc5Ygw?si=zv-rUh4LtaIDNrW1Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7vm1z2DxBWRZSmrurSxHWJ?si=a6e04186b8034ce2Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/there-is-always-one-more-time/190447183Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00136LSUQ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_D1vgAG24HZD2V69kmWqQAK86v&trackAsin=B00136O3KI Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

"Moonshine" by Young Gun Silver Fox stands out as a modern classic, and Trist and Elaine break down the song's inventive chord progressions, lush orchestration, and the unique contribution of legendary songwriter Rod Temperton. This episode includes an in-depth analysis of the song's production techniques, vocal layering, and the creative journey from forgotten demo to polished release, making this episode a must-listen for musicians and music lovers seeking fresh insights into contemporary songwriting and arrangement. In the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss maintaining a sense of joy in music, sharing personal strategies for keeping music-making fresh and meaningful. The discussion explores the privilege of playing with top-tier musicians, the importance of balancing mentorship with personal growth, and how both amateur and professional musicians can rediscover the pure pleasure of music, offering inspiration for anyone passionate about their craft. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y_WVos6YS8Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3mZ42jDYwCs4xRM3YXYMMT?si=731a5e47711649c9Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/moonshine-single/1669592663Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CMJNZNZV?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_CMPjyEjK4dr0FzQgyJvKv0ZGz&trackAsin=B0CMJP389T Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y_WVos6YS8&list=PLc5k8aOI4hVcSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGveInterview with Andy Platts about working with Rod Temperton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypNZbeMxhaI About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Nikka Costa’s “So Have I For You” is a must-listen, with unique chord changes, powerful vocal delivery, and the emotional storytelling that defines her acclaimed album "Everybody Got Their Something." In this main segment, we break down the track’s genre-blending influences, discuss the subtle complexities of its lyrics, the arrangement, and instrumentation. Elaine interprets the lyrics as a reaction to a mother-daughter relationship and personal empowerment. In the Mailbag section, we discuss new music discovery tips, sharing practical strategies for finding fresh tracks in today’s digital landscape. From the value of word-of-mouth recommendations, to the role of streaming algorithms, all the way to creative community ideas like record clubs and collaborative playlists, the segment wraps up with advice on leveraging local libraries for music exploration and encourages listeners to share their own discoveries, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to foster a vibrant, engaged community of musicians and fans. This is the last episode of the first season, with plans to return in the fall. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S23mxRA4NdQSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7De0muwuDqAymX6taRwzIeApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/so-have-i-for-you/723699743Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B000THIK2O?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_4VX4PBRQ777wfnqnCWRzGtZI2&trackAsin=B000THBOTK Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This week, we dive into "Blue Velvet" by Kurt Elling and Branford Marsalis, a haunting, ethereal soundscape between voice and tenor saxophone. Trist and Elaine discuss the subtle recording effects, delicate musicianship, and the emotional transformation of this classic ballad. The conversation compares this rendition to iconic versions by Bobby Vinton and Tony Bennett, highlighting how tempo, orchestration, and vocal delivery can completely reshape a song’s meaning and mood. In the Mailbag, we discuss the impact music can have beyond commercial success. A moving account from the Aarhus Vocal Music Festival and personal anecdotes from both Elaine and Trist underscore how even lesser-known albums and performances can inspire, comfort, and change lives. PLUS a big announcement at the end! Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/gAXW5Xq496g?is=aV82pFMhJLgNGPrWSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/4duESN1aJkwMO35NUV8VkR?si=a818b20c175b4674Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/blue-velvet/1102783941Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B01E9DSGZ4?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_FxdC1U4ljX50EWNQnU6AmJfV8&trackAsin=B01E9DSVBS Other links Upward Spiral - Marsalis MusicBlue Velvet, Bobby Vinton versionBlue Velvet, Tony Bennett versionBlue Velvet, Tony Bennett and k.d. lang versionPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Prince’s “A Place in Heaven” stands out as a hidden gem in his vast catalog. This episode dives deep into its unique musical structure, production history, and the artist’s experimental genius. We unpack the song’s waltz-like 3/4 time signature, unexpected chord changes, and minimalist instrumentation, discussing how Prince’s prolific creativity led to a vault of unreleased tracks. We also analyze the song’s lyrical themes, exploring motifs of longing, innocence, and social commentary rooted in the 1980s, and discuss how Prince’s vocal delivery and compositional choices reflect both vulnerability and innovation. In the mailbag section, we discuss the importance of kindness, collaboration, and relationship-building in the music industry, drawing from audience messages and personal experience. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG6MSmPbX2YSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/4aJNQt6O0cYHFJU7aDAhRi?si=09e55632804a4f4fApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/a-place-in-heaven-prince-vocal-2020-remaster/1544308811Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B08Q8SDHRJ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_pOy6j4aLaKcic7q220Hewt8V4&trackAsin=B08QB1MNPY Other links Wikipedia article on Wendy & Lisa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_%26_LisaLisa version of “A Place in Heaven”: https://youtu.be/vz9DMBoCTVcPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

A cappella electronica? This episode covers “Worst Thing I Could Do,” from contemporary a cappella group ARORA’s groundbreaking album, Bioluminescence. The group leverages advanced vocal effects and processing, creating ethereal, electronic textures that blur the line between human voice and synthesizer. In this week’s conversation, Trist and Elaine rave over the chord changes, dynamic arrangements, and clever use of half-choruses and rhythmic effects. They also analyze the song's poignant lyrics, which depict a toxic, unresolved relationship, and discuss how the unresolved musical ending mirrors the emotional stasis described in the words. In the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist discuss a real-world example from Threads illustrating the dramatic shift in songwriter earnings from the CD era to the streaming era, highlighting the challenges and reduced royalties faced by modern songwriters. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/2GAbXRIu6v8Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1gxzmqDNAILcvi0iOp5BOl?si=e78fa631505b4805Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/worst-thing-i-could-do/681276513Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00E8WEALQ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_1cRxsNHQ8PyoK0o8vZFxFlOAk&trackAsin=B00E8WEJTO Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/h1ATm0c6AxASpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1n11viwoaXFWfC9uZ1NFqb?si=d490e74dbe7f4994Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/best/1493029104Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0837KZQLD?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_E9l5274gs9HHbWiawDsognJWu&trackAsin=B0837LFF1R Other links How to End a Letter: 10 Formal Letter Closings (Grammarly)Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ Key takeaways Trist and Elaine review Theo Katzman’s clever 2020 song “Best,” which focuses on the emotional impact of a letter's complimentary closeElaine and Trist discuss the usage of breaks as accents and vocal delay for a choral effect, delving into how production techniques can make vocals sound bigger and more expressive.In the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine cover how musicians often balance several part-time gigs, and how professional groups maintain a pool of substitute performers to ensure coverage when conflicts arise About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This week, we review a classic big band arrangement of “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” highlighting the delayed entrance of the vocal group and other elements that make it a classic 1940s big band tune. This song has a vintage sound, and we jump into both the recording and playback technology that influenced that era of music. In the Mailbag segment, we discuss the relationship between an artist and social media, reinforcing that it’s now a core component of one’s marketing. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_8gXFgBkNYSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/5qGUC3y9NXTpA6n5k3W5Fm?si=b4c10179b4454fe7Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/on-the-sunny-side-of-the-street-from-is-everybody-happy/304824058Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0G2BQ5JBV?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_KBQ1NdkP5cnECpS0K5QV7w1gT&trackAsin=B0G2BKFNQH Other links The Manhattan Transfer’s version of “On the Sunny Side of the Street”Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

This episode reviews George Michael’s cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” the classic Bonnie Raitt hit, covering the differences between the vocal delivery and instrumentation. But there's a mystery: the surprising tag that George Michael added to the end of his version, which takes a tragic song and gives a surprising twist of hope on it. In the mailbag portion of the segment, Trist and Elaine discuss the importance of music in schools, especially at the elementary school level, in shaping lifelong musical engagement, both as creators and as consumers. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/2_lpN31PmD8Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3dQVWKuUMjxtuyflV4tzHV?si=9cded47836ed433c (may not having ending)Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/i-cant-make-you-love-me-studio-version/429945624 (may not have ending)Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B011QPB5MO?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_q2daXareM97Nqr2K4FngIftPl&trackAsin=B011QPCN5W Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer