Heard it Through the Grapevine – Motown with a Musicologist

This is a hybrid program. Register for either in-person or virtual here: https://marktwainlibrary.org/events/heard-it-through-the-grapevine-motown-with-a-musicologist-in-person/
As rock music ascended to unprecedented heights in the 20th century, many sub-genres emerged. ‘Motown’ became one of the most successful musical styles of the era — as the sonically entrancing styles of African American musicians intertwined with the music producers of this period.

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University), a musicologist and music theorist, explains this transmutation of traditional rock melded with rhythm and blues, demonstrating how songs from these idioms typically include nuanced chord progressions, incisive rhythms, and complex and layered harmony. Gil will also talk about how a bold, improvisational singing approach is cited as reflecting consciousness and pride in being Black.