Here are some additional tracks to accompany the reading in the December 2016 issue.
Tracks 1 and 2 were selected for Bob Dylan and Reba McEntire’s appearances in the news section.
Tracks 3-8 illustrate different examples of background singing in popular music, beginning with the soul and R&B of Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Charles, and Al Green. “He’s a Rebel” features celebrated background singer Darlene Love on lead vocals, while “Great Gig in the Sky” by Pink Floyd features a prominent vocal part by background singer Clare Torry.
Tracks 9-14 were selected for their unique and accessible song arrangements. Listen carefully to hear the differences in each song section, and try creating a song map for each.
Tracks 15 and 16 are examples of the subject of this month’s “Now Playing,” the mbira.
Happy listening!