Case study - Lingus

Case Study 

the in-depth analysis of the harmonic melodic and rhythmic elements of Lingus as seen through the roles of individual instruments. 

In Lingus, The instruments that are used are trumpets, saxophones, guitars, bass, synths, drums and percussion. To understand Lingus to a better understanding, its necessary to know the structure.

Structure; Intro | A (0:11) | B (0:48) | C (1:02) | A2 (1:20)  | B2 (1:58) | C2 (2:30) | D(improv) (2:49) | E (improv) (4:17)

Horns - the horns sections mainly consist of trumpets and saxophones. Since there isn't the use of vocals, the horn sections take the role of the main melody. This role is shared with the bass line mainly in the A section but the main focus is on the horns section. There are some moments where they play in harmony but the majority is played in unison which make that certain melody more prominent. They play using the E pentatonic scale.

Keys - the keys have multiple roles. The opening piano rhythmic motif is played as an underlying rhythm throughout the intro and section A. This then allows the bass line and the horns line be more centre. In section B, the piano really does carry the chord structure which allows the guitar riff to be forefront.

Guitar -  In Lingus, the guitar plays infrequently however, it contains carries some of the key melodic lines like in Section B. This melodic motif then gets repeated and also replicated by the horns. which then becomes the main melody in section C2. 

Bass -  In the beginning of the song and the ‘verse’, the bass line plays the main counter melody along with the horns. I think this is a crucial part of the verse since this is the melody/ rhythm that the horns revolve around. (almost as a pre curser). The synths also follow the bass line giving it more texture and pronounces the bass line more giving it more of a lead role which wouldn't really happen in an r&b or pop song. 

Percussion and Drums  - They both carry the 5/4 rhythm which changes from half time in section A to double time in section B. It adds texture where needed and adds dynamics. For example, in section E, the drums and percussion increase in depth and complexity.