Listen to the song

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXe2HzFOJYQ
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/71GvlH0VdeClloLIkHrAVu?si=86a85fa9cc56478c
• Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/diamonds-on-the-soles-of-her-shoes/529574619
• Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0085LMFAE?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_InQKPS94PVgshxXsoqYCrDrci&trackAsin=B0085LMI9W

Key takeaways

• Trist and Elaine discuss “Diamonds in the Soles of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon in collaboration with the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This song showcases the rich musical traditions of South Africa and addresses themes of class disparity and cultural integration during the apartheid era
• The lyrics of the song incorporate South African cultural elements, such as the "sign of a teaspoon" and "sign of a wave," which reference specific taxi signals in South Africa, adding depth and context to the narrative
• In the Mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine explore the idea that musical ability is not solely dependent on innate talent but can be cultivated through dedication and practice, emphasizing that anyone can achieve a decent level of musical proficiency with effort

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

1. YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1d5c1fVxSA
2. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3TQbr3G3U5wlwEJejmqC1F
3. Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/never-on-the-day-you-leave/1224353385
4. Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B06Y3HV2N3?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_gArDR5BzTxFt1Suiqwo03YUHf&trackAsin=B06Y3R6LPH

Other links

1. “Further Notes on Scenius,” May 2017, Austin Kleon, quoting Brian Eno on the term “Scenius”

Key takeaways

1. Trist and Elaine discuss the storytelling and lyrical depth of John Mayer’s song “Never on the Day You Leave,” highlighting its emotional journey and impactful outro
2. The song's minimalistic instrumentation, including acoustic and clean electric elements, creates a sense of intimacy and supports the poignant lyrics, emphasizing the emotional weight of the narrative
3. In the mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist emphasize the critical role of local music venues and audiences in fostering emerging artists and creating a thriving music community

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

1. YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWnyCxva6bA
2. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6BdiFsPMPkSEEO4fFXFVWX
3. Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/workin-day-and-night/186166410
4. Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00138KJY0?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_n0DKAlMsv9XvZL5bSVgX5cY0z&trackAsin=B00137QO0O

Other links

1. Hocket in horns breakdown
2. Jackson family demo of Workin’ Day and Night
3. Horns in the NY subway station (Lucky Chops)

Key takeaways

1. In this episode, Trist and Elaine explore how Michael Jackson incorporates the ancient musical technique of hocket, originating from 13th-14th century choral music, into his song "Workin' Day and Night," creating a seamless melody from alternating instrumental parts
2. The discussion highlights the rich, human elements of the "Off the Wall" album, including live brass sections, hand drums, and vocal percussive sounds, contrasting it with later albums that relied more heavily on synthesizers and programmed sounds
3. Elaine and Trist discuss how musicians with corporate jobs can play a vital role in the music industry by using their income to fund projects, pay fellow musicians, and sustain their passion for music while maintaining financial stability

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