Tell Me Somethin' Good

Jason Hollar · #1 05-11-2006, 12:24 PM

Was hoping to post this on the BG side -- but wasn't sure if there was a music topic there...

I'm learning Tell Me Something Good by Rufus for my cover band...

I've got all the notes/chord changes no problem...just having trouble counting the "time" between the verse and chorus.

The chorus sounds "in time" and the verse sounds "off the beat"

Does anyone have a chart on this tune -- or can anyone offer some insite on how to "count" the off beat chorus groove?

Dang -- didn't think I was this rhythmically challenged!

Ed Fuqua · #2 05-11-2006, 01:27 PM

What's to count? You're in the same time feel. All that happens is that the melody switches to upbeats (the "and").

Maybe I don't understand the question...

Uncletoad · #3 05-11-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Hollar

The chorus sounds "in time" and the verse sounds "off the beat"

Thats exactly right. The verse notes are on the upbeat. Untill the end of the vocal phrase where she holds the note and they straighten out.

Every band I've played this in the bass and drums get it right and the vocalist and guitarist fall on their faces. Its in those moments where I really hate "the singer is always right".

Great tune. Problem is that the tune rarely goes over on the gig even if you play it right. It's a fire drill tune. Sends em off the dance floor to the exits.

Jason Hollar · #4 05-11-2006, 10:13 PM

Yeah -- this is one of those "feel" tunes.

We ran it at a practice this evening and it's working much better. Just was having trouble hearing where the "one" was in the verse...sounds all backwards to me...but not in a cool reggae kind of way.

I sure hope this one doesn't clear the dance floor -- but I guess we'll see this weekend!

Man, I can totally hang on Giant Steps, Donna Lee, etc. Sometimes these funky tunes is just too funky for me!

Jason Hollar · #5 05-16-2006, 11:16 AM

Just got June's BP magazine -- with this tune in the Woodshed column.

As I suspected, there's a good deal of syncopation going on with the bass line in the verse groove...where it doesn't land squarely on the "one" in key places.

I usually can figure most stuff out by ear -- but it's nice to see a chart on something like this to put into perspective.

Played the tune Sunday at our regular club gig and it went over well. Haven't done it for a dance party yet!