Daily Journal - OCT 22, 2023
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Wow, I was turned onto these peeps this morning. I am crazy about harmony, and this sounds like the 70s Linda Ronstadt, JD Souther type harmony.
J.D. Souther, a singer-songwriter known for his work in the Southern California country-rock and folk-rock scene in the 1970s, is known for using various types of harmonies in his music. The type of harmony he used can be described as follows:
Close Harmonies: J.D. Souther often used close harmonies in his music. Close harmonies involve singers singing in close proximity to each other, creating a warm and blended sound. This is a characteristic feature of the country-rock and folk-rock genres of the era.
Melodic Harmony: Souther's harmonies were melodically rich, with one voice typically harmonizing a third above or below the lead vocal. This created a pleasing and harmonious sound that was characteristic of the era.
Duet Singing: Souther frequently performed as a duo, often with artists like Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey. In duets, both artists take on lead and harmony roles interchangeably, allowing for versatile and dynamic harmonies within their songs.
Chordal and Parallel Harmonies: In some of Souther's songs, chordal harmonies were employed. In these harmonies, each singer contributes to a specific chord within the song. Parallel harmonies, where both singers move in parallel intervals, were also used to create depth in vocal arrangements.
Smooth and Lush Sound: The harmony style of J.D. Souther was known for its smooth, lush, and polished quality, which was emblematic of the sound of the 1970s.
The harmonies in J.D. Souther's music, along with his songwriting and collaboration with artists like Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey, contributed to the rich tapestry of harmonies in the country-rock and folk-rock genres of that period. His harmonies helped define the sound of the era, and his music remains a beloved part of the musical legacy from that time.