Musically Speaking

In this episode, I take a look at one of Mason Williams’ lesser-known but brilliantly crafted pieces: “The Last Great Waltz.” You probably know him from “Classical Gas,” but this tune tells a quirky story using shifting meters and clever musical turns.

Here’s the link to listen to “The Last Great Waltz” in its entirety on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H0jMhedM_-I

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

Here are the links to listen to the other Mason Williams songs referenced in this episode:

“Classical Gas”- https://youtu.be/mREi_Bb85Sk

“I’ve Heard that Tear-Stained Monologue You Do There By the Door Before You Go” - https://youtu.be/-e3RJjTFfao

Today’s episode is in loving memory of Ted & Rodger Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week, I take a closer listen to Be Still, My Soul, a hymn of quiet trust and enduring hope. We’ll hear excerpts from David Erb’s choral arrangement and explore how this hymn has shaped generations through grief and faith.

Here’s a link to listen to “Be Still, My Soul” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_HYtMuSyCck

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

In this episode of the Friday Five, I revisit the classic hymn Now Thank We All Our God, but not in the way you might be used to hearing it. I explore a rhythmic version of this well-loved tune, bringing Johann Crüger’s original 1648 setting back to life with clarity and energy.

You’ll hear a recording performed by my junior and senior musicianship students from Geneva Academy in West Monroe, Louisiana. I also highlight three reasons why this hymn deserves a regular place at your table, in your car, and in your congregation.

In the episode, I mention my Let Joy Resound: A Singing School Hymnal. For more information, visit LetJoyResound.com.

Here’s a link to listen to “Now Thank We All Our God” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vg8qOChZpmQ

For more information about this hymn, see the linked article that includes a PDF of the music: https://jarrodrichey.substack.com/p/hymn-highlight-now-thank-we-all-our

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week, I feature Dearest Magdalene (Big Burn) by my friend and talented guitarist Bill Stutzman. Inspired by the Great Fire of 1910, this ballad from the album Cardinals and Fireflies unfolds like a final letter from a husband and father facing death as he sends his family to safety. With poetic storytelling, ghostly harmonies from his wife Cherise, and a warm vocal delivery reminiscent of James Taylor, this is a hauntingly beautiful song worth a careful listen.

Here’s a link to listen to “Dearest Magdalene (Big Burn)” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k7M-g3Ay9yg

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

Before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” there was CHESTER, a bold and faith-filled anthem that stirred the hearts of the American colonies during the Revolution. In this Independence Day episode, I take a closer look at William Billings’ iconic tune and share three reasons why it's worth rediscovering. From its patriotic theology to its uniquely American fuging style, Chester is a song worth hearing again this July 4. I’ve included clips from both the Robert Shaw recording and Paul Hillier and His Majestie’s Clerkes for your enjoyment.

Here’s a link to listen to the Robert Shaw version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lTNLC4Dl3Jk?feature=shared

Here’s a link to Paul Hillier & His Majestie’s Clerkes version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9-W6doIU64o?feature=shared

Here are the complete lyrics:

Let tyrants shake their iron rod,And slavery clank her galling chains,We fear them not! we trust in God!New England's God forever reigns.Howe and Burgoyne and Clinton too,With Prescott and Cornwallis joined,Together plot our overthrow,In one infernal league combined.When God inspired us for the fight,Their ranks were broke, their lines were forced,Their ships were shattered in our sight,Or swiftly driven from our coast.The foe comes on with haughty stride;Our troops advance with martial noise,Their veterans flee before our youth,And generals yield to beardless boys.What grateful offering shall we bring?What shall we render to the Lord?Loud Hallelujahs let us sing,And praise his name on every chord.

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week, we highlight Roger Miller’s fun album, Roger and Out, and share why its blend of humor, heartfelt songwriting, and playful charm makes it a must-listen. Join us as we unpack what makes Miller one of country music’s most creative voices and why you should give Roger and Out a listen.

Here’s a link to listen to the album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2wuO3nwb5IJXIKoDyHblyF?si=OyDmF5S4QXmyPlcDjWsdLw

Here’s a link to listen to “Got 2 Again” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CDdYFjq8ULc

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

In this week’s episode, we explore how a composer famous for grand tone poems turned to 16th-century lute melodies. Ottorino Respighi, best known for Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome, also created three exquisite chamber suites in his Ancient Airs and Dances. We’ll hear snippets of Suite I’s sprightly “Gagliarda” and Suite III’s lilting “Siciliana,” then share three reasons why these intimate reimaginings of Renaissance tunes are so captivating. Tune in to discover the beauty hiding in these small-scale gems.

Here’s a link to listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3pQx91h84EeCjToUx77McG?si=4fKvDrc4SNyG4H_ueXvOHA

Here’s a link to listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O_DlXAJ7zpM

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week, I’m taking a closer listen to one of the most charmingly bittersweet duets ever recorded, “Can’t We Be Friends?” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. There’s something about this track that makes you smile even as it sings about heartbreak. In this episode, I share three reasons why this performance still speaks to us: it feels like a real conversation, it wraps humor around heartache, and it reminds us that not every ending needs to be ugly. It’s jazz with grace, swing, and a whole lot of soul.

Here’s a recording: https://youtu.be/wiLIV3H0q-Y

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week on the Friday Five, we discuss the uniquely American musical form known as the fuging tune. Featuring Nehemiah Shumway’s SCHENECTADY set to Isaac Watts’ “From All That Dwell Below the Skies,” this episode walks through three key characteristics of fuging tunes and shares how they reflect both musical creativity and congregational participation.

Here’s a recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29KOzkV20Ew

Here’s a PDF of the sheet music from my Let Joy Resound Hymnal: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/e3p4i4lfo2gkdkfp4buvh/From-All-That-Dwell_LJR.pdf?rlkey=it25ajcekhh17pa0s7knwczth&dl=0

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week, we take a brief look at William Byrd’s Sing Joyfully unto God—a six-part setting of Psalm 81 and a standout example of English Renaissance choral writing. As we typically do, I’ll offer several reasons why you should know and enjoy this remarkable work of sacred choral music.

Here’s a link to a recording: https://youtu.be/wRm0mS6UrH8

The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com