Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 209 - Great Anthem of Reverb and the Musicians of Body Reverb Devices

Last time, we delved into the connection between synthesizers and reverb. Reverb is an essential element in shaping the mood and imagery of music. Without reverb, music might not even exist in the way we know it.
Building on the previous topic, this time I want to introduce iconic songs where 'without reverb, this song would not exist,' and highlight rare musicians who use their own bodies as reverb devices.

One & Only British Band: 10cc!

10cc was formed by four talented individuals: Eric Stewart (guitar and keyboards), Graham Gouldman (bass guitar), Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme. The band was known for its unique blend of British humor and esprit, creating a distinctive world of their own, with some people describing them as a progressive pop band due to their occasional progressive elements.
While their music wasn't necessarily technical, it was filled with unexpected ideas and clever twists, making it a delight for listeners. Eric and Graham later gained fame with their band WAX, while Kevin and Lol found success as the rock duo Godley & Creme.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, Godley & Creme became renowned as music video creators, particularly in the MTV era in the U.S., where they earned numerous awards. They even developed the visual effect of morphing, which became famous, especially in their video for the song "Cry," where the faces in the video constantly morph into different forms.

■ Recommended Album: "Original Soundtrack" / 10cc (1975)

The 10cc album, released in 1975, became a massive hit. This album was conceived as a film soundtrack, making it a masterpiece that offers a captivating musical experience. It features the band’s unique and beautiful melancholic melodies, as well as their trademark pop sensibility, woven throughout the entire album. Listening to it feels like immersing yourself in a vivid musical tapestry, showcasing 10cc's creative range and musical mastery.

Recommended Track: "I’m Not In Love"

The globally massive hit "I’m Not In Love" reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US, becoming a favorite of listeners and an explosive success. Even today, many musicians continue to cover this song.
The standout feature of this track is the ethereal, almost whispering background vocals, which are reminiscent of a soft pad (male choruses). Despite sounding like a lush, synthetic sound, it's important to note that this track was made in the mid-1970s, before the advent of polyphonic synthesizers. While it was speculated that the sound was created with a Mellotron, the Mellotron’s chorus only lasts for about seven seconds, making that an unlikely option. In today’s world, producing such a pad-like sound would be relatively easy, but in the 1970s, the method behind this sound became a major topic of discussion. Many rumors spread, such as the use of a special chorus effect attached near the bridge of a guitar, but these turned out to be false. The real method was revealed much later: 10cc had recorded a chorus of several voices singing "Ahaaa~," and then they overdubbed this tape numerous times. The tape was so long that it even stretched from the studio down the hallway. They used this lengthy analog recording and applied deep reverb to create the signature sound.
Although the signal-to-noise ratio wasn’t ideal, the hazy, indistinct choral sound combined with the deep reverb helped add depth to the track, creating the unique mood of "I’m Not In Love." Within the subtle dynamics of the song, an acoustic piano was used in just the right spots, cutting through the chorus and enhancing the track in an almost magical way. Additionally, whispers of a female voice heavily treated with reverb further enriched the song with multiple sonic layers.
The song's structure is meticulously crafted, with the reverb depth and length shifting between sections like the A and B verses, creating an exquisitely nuanced atmosphere. "I’m Not In Love" is a true treasure trove of reverb techniques, earning its place as one of the most innovative and memorable tracks of its time.

Bobby McFerrin's Use of Body and Air Vibration

There is a musician who masterfully uses his own body and the vibration of air to create music—his name is Bobby McFerrin.
Bobby is not only a jazz vocalist but also a percussionist and bassist. However, he doesn't use traditional percussion instruments. Instead, he simulates bass sounds and percussive effects by tapping his chest and other parts of his body with his hands. When Bobby taps his chest with his thumb or palm while producing vocal sounds, the result is not just his voice. The sound of his hands hitting his chest, the vibrations traveling through his respiratory system, and the vocal tones all combine, creating a rich, layered percussive effect. By adjusting the shape of his mouth, Bobby can generate various percussive sounds, effectively using his body as a resonant instrument.
Through his use of vocal percussion and bass voice techniques, Bobby creates music in duos with pianists and other musicians. His voice sometimes resembles slap bass or the sound of a walking bass line, almost like a wooden bass laying down a 4/4 beat. Clearly, the air in different parts of his body vibrates as he produces these sounds, turning his entire body into a resonating sound-producing instrument. Bobby McFerrin’s approach to music is a remarkable example of the body functioning as a dynamic resonant device, where both voice and body come together to create unique and powerful sonic textures.

■ Recommended Album: "Rendezvous in New York" (2003) by Chick Corea

This live album, produced in December 2001 to celebrate Chick Corea's 40th anniversary in the music industry and his 60th birthday, features collaborations with numerous jazz legends. One of the highlights of the album is the duo performance with Bobby McFerrin.
The duo between Corea and McFerrin is filled with intense energy, yet it maintains a relaxed feel. Their improvisation creates a dynamic atmosphere, embodying the pure joy of jazz improvisation. It's a perfect example of the spontaneous creativity and deep musical connection between two master musicians, allowing listeners to experience the true essence of jazz.

Recommendation Track: "Concierto de Aranjuez ~ Spain"

A masterpiece by Chick Corea, "Concierto de Aranjuez ~ Spain" features the melody from Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, leading into the theme of Spain, with Bobby McFerrin’s versatile scat vocals. After the theme’s chord progression, Bobby’s chest beats with his hand and bass voice begin, creating a samba beat bassline. The handclaps and bass voice create a perfect groove. Above this, Chick Corea’s acoustic piano improvisation bursts forth.
When you hear Bobby’s bass voice, you can tell that his body is resonating. The combination of handclaps, vocal percussion, and bass voice merges into a sound that emanates from his body. The unique percussive sounds produced from the moment his hand strikes his chest, along with the air vibrations from his throat and chest, add depth and richness to the low bass voice. This is because Bobby’s body itself becomes a resonating chamber, a "reverb device."
The improvisations on acoustic piano, Bobby’s percussive scat and bass voice come together in harmony, leading to a grand conclusion.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Track Covered in This Feature

• Artists: 10cc, Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, Kevin Godley, Lol Creme, Bobby McFerrin, Chick Corea
• Albums: Original Soundtrack, Rendezvous in New York
• Recommended Tracks: "I’m Not In Love," "Concierto de Aranjuez ~ Spain"

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