Courtney Pine (Back in the Day)

Question 1

Melody

Answer 1

• Pentatonic melody
• Mostly conjunct
• At start descends then ascends
• Note repetition
• Prominent intervals of 3rds
• Limited note range
• Main theme based on Gershwin’s Summertime
• Blue notes
• Scalic ascent
• Embellishments/grace notes/acciaccaturas/appoggiaturas

AO4: Explanation of the effect of the element. Discussion of approaches to texture by Courtney Pine and other composers.

Question 2

Structure

Answer 2

• Instrumental intro
• Verse / Vocal sections
• Rap sections
• Instrumental ending
• A free rather than conventional pop song structure with alternating verses and rap sections

AO4: Explanation of the effect of the element. Discussion of approaches to structure by Courtney Pine and other composers.

Question 3

Sonority

Answer 3

• A cappella vocals at start
• Mainly syllabic, melismas at some ends of phrases
• Saxophone solo
• Improvised feel
• Saxophone fills
• Flute solo
• Brass section chords / stabs
• Distortion guitar
• Drum machine / drum loops
• Turntable effects
• Samples
• Rap
• Multi-tracked vocals
• Scat singing / nonsense syllables
• Glissando
• Pitch bend
• Long trill

AO4: Explanation of the effect of the element. Discussion of approaches to sonority by Courtney Pine and other composers.