The Musician's Loupe

Elaine Chao and Trist Curless
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Music Commentary

A discussion about music and musicianship by Trist Curless (jazz singer, educator, sound engineer, and recording engineer, formerly of m-pact and The Manhattan Transfer) and Elaine Chao, M.Ed (multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, beatboxer, singer-songwriter, author, and former educator). Each week, we listen to a song together and discuss the music we love through the lens of decades in the music industry. Topics include analysis of songwriting, chord progression, instrumentation, recording technology, and arrangement.

  1. 6d ago

    Indie rock, bluegrass, and a superhero fight scene: Hayloft (Nickel Creek)

    Explore the intersection of bluegrass and indie rock through Nickel Creek’s cover of "Hayloft." Trist and Elaine dissect Nickel Creek's faithful interpretation of Mother Mother’s song, unpacking the musical tension, innovative instrumentation like the Greek bouzouki, and how the band preserves the original’s intensity while infusing their signature acoustic sound. The discussion delves into arrangement choices, vocal effects, and the role of musical osmosis on tour. In the Mailbag segment, the discussion turns toward the challenges adult musicians face balancing creativity with corporate life. Eland and Trist offer honest perspectives on integrating creativity into all parts of life and managing the inherent friction between a creative life and a day job in a non-musical field. This candid conversation provides solidarity and practical wisdom for musicians striving to keep their creative passion alive in everyday life. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/Si3zSXXkEMcSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6dacQ4sqYOVuQKTzSBK2de?si=4466875fd1f64bd6Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/hayloft/821289810Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/tracks/B00IL645IS/?ref=dm_sh_4eUDdXcvfdQ8HzSV4iHSpE2Xy Other links Original song by Mother Mother - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFt0s7crDfoWikipedia article on the Bouzouki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BouzoukiPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

    Indie rock, bluegrass, and a superhero fight scene: Hayloft (Nickel Creek)

  2. Sep 29

    Seasons, acoustic instruments, and a cross-genre collaboration: “Summer” (India.Arie)

    India.Arie's "Summer" stands out as a genre-blending gem, and this week’s episode explores the song's instrumentation via the collaboration of Rascal Flatts and legendary bassist Victor Wooten. India.Arie's takes a detour from her classic R&B into a lighter, almost country sound, combining light harmonies, creative chord progressions, and orchestration with a summery, cross-genre appeal. In the Mailbag section, we respond to insights about essential music industry terminology, offering practical advice for musicians navigating showcases, bookings, and collaborations. We emphasize that clear communication and humility are more valuable than jargon alone. This segment is packed with real-world tips for artists at any stage, making it a must-listen for those looking to strengthen their professional toolkit in the music business. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wu819TDx0ESpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7wib8BDGImkvksc7GD42al?si=8e5510f0c2b64bc5Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/summer-feat-rascal-flatts-victor-wooten/1443496621Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B073GTX2TJ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_mMuSSRHzJE1NhChrO0PguOK4a&trackAsin=B073GVGDWK Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

    Seasons, acoustic instruments, and a cross-genre collaboration: “Summer” (India.Arie)

  3. Sep 22

    Broadway classics, cover songs, and all-stars: Cool (Patti Austin)

    This week, we review a fresh take on a classic as this episode dives into the all-star rendition of "Cool" from West Side Story, featuring powerhouse musicians like Patti Austin, members of Take 6, Branford Marsalis, Jerry Hey, and Bruce Hornsby. From lush vocal textures and a beat-heavy instrumentation, this track bridges the original musical's intent with a contemporary, funk-infused sound. We cover the creative process, the significance of each artist's contribution, and the broader context of the benefit album celebrating Bernstein's legacy. In the Mailbag segment, the conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of music production, sparked by a discussion about preparation in the context of modern recording. Trist and Elaine share real-world studio experiences, discuss the balance between preparation and technology, and reflect on how accessibility to recording tools shapes today's music. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3MfF3J-HwESpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/2qh6LKRa61QMKupv6DoZlH?si=0f7dcd3255cf4cf9Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/cool/298515474Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B073HH293K?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_nDOb5fb1JaFZRgwjEAbqMEW9t&trackAsin=B073HFBFQ5 Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

    Broadway classics, cover songs, and all-stars: Cool (Patti Austin)

  4. Sep 15

    First takes, career evolutions, and a message of hope: There Is Always One More Time (Harry Connick, Jr.)

    Discover a hidden gem from Harry Connick Jr. as Trist and Elaine review "There Is Always One More Time," a soulful duet featuring the late Reverend James Moore. In this episode, they explore the song's likely spontaneous recording process, the emotional impact of knowing about Moore's passing before the song’s release, and the unique chemistry between the two artists. Listeners will appreciate insights into the song's structure, its message of hope and community, and the broader context of Connick's prolific career. In the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist tackle a question from Threads about the most dreaded tasks in audio mixing, sharing their personal experiences with tuning vocals, cleaning up poorly recorded tracks, and the challenges of miking instruments. Their candid conversation offers practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned musicians, emphasizing the importance of experimentation, learning from experts, and developing a critical ear for both live and studio settings. Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/h3Abokc5Ygw?si=zv-rUh4LtaIDNrW1Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7vm1z2DxBWRZSmrurSxHWJ?si=a6e04186b8034ce2Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/there-is-always-one-more-time/190447183Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00136LSUQ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_D1vgAG24HZD2V69kmWqQAK86v&trackAsin=B00136O3KI Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGve About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

    First takes, career evolutions, and a message of hope: There Is Always One More Time (Harry Connick, Jr.)

  5. Sep 8

    Modern vintage, lyrical tropes, and big bets: Moonshine (Young Gun Silver Fox)

    "Moonshine" by Young Gun Silver Fox stands out as a modern classic, and Trist and Elaine break down the song's inventive chord progressions, lush orchestration, and the unique contribution of legendary songwriter Rod Temperton. This episode includes an in-depth analysis of the song's production techniques, vocal layering, and the creative journey from forgotten demo to polished release, making this episode a must-listen for musicians and music lovers seeking fresh insights into contemporary songwriting and arrangement. In the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss maintaining a sense of joy in music, sharing personal strategies for keeping music-making fresh and meaningful. The discussion explores the privilege of playing with top-tier musicians, the importance of balancing mentorship with personal growth, and how both amateur and professional musicians can rediscover the pure pleasure of music, offering inspiration for anyone passionate about their craft. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y_WVos6YS8Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3mZ42jDYwCs4xRM3YXYMMT?si=731a5e47711649c9Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/moonshine-single/1669592663Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CMJNZNZV?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_CMPjyEjK4dr0FzQgyJvKv0ZGz&trackAsin=B0CMJP389T Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y_WVos6YS8&list=PLc5k8aOI4hVcSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4uCOVpr4NcWT5SGWlZEnnw?si=8j8p7QwlQxmTNNFwFMvCegApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57132299c0b9470dbd67fcab0b41db79sune?ref=dm_sh_LYPlw2RWiTdf09DUmvLHjqGveInterview with Andy Platts about working with Rod Temperton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypNZbeMxhaI About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

    Modern vintage, lyrical tropes, and big bets: Moonshine (Young Gun Silver Fox)

  6. Jun 16

    Freedom anthems, toxic moms, and power chords: So Have I For You (Nikka Costa)

    Nikka Costa’s “So Have I For You” is a must-listen, with unique chord changes, powerful vocal delivery, and the emotional storytelling that defines her acclaimed album "Everybody Got Their Something." In this main segment, we break down the track’s genre-blending influences, discuss the subtle complexities of its lyrics, the arrangement, and instrumentation. Elaine interprets the lyrics as a reaction to a mother-daughter relationship and personal empowerment. In the Mailbag section, we discuss new music discovery tips, sharing practical strategies for finding fresh tracks in today’s digital landscape. From the value of word-of-mouth recommendations, to the role of streaming algorithms, all the way to creative community ideas like record clubs and collaborative playlists, the segment wraps up with advice on leveraging local libraries for music exploration and encourages listeners to share their own discoveries, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to foster a vibrant, engaged community of musicians and fans. This is the last episode of the first season, with plans to return in the fall. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S23mxRA4NdQSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7De0muwuDqAymX6taRwzIeApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/so-have-i-for-you/723699743Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B000THIK2O?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_4VX4PBRQ777wfnqnCWRzGtZI2&trackAsin=B000THBOTK Other links Playlist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

  7. Jun 9

    Tempo, sparseness, and a vocal-sax duet : Blue Velvet (The Branford Marsalis Quartet, featuring Kurt Elling)

    This week, we dive into "Blue Velvet" by Kurt Elling and Branford Marsalis, a haunting, ethereal soundscape between voice and tenor saxophone. Trist and Elaine discuss the subtle recording effects, delicate musicianship, and the emotional transformation of this classic ballad. The conversation compares this rendition to iconic versions by Bobby Vinton and Tony Bennett, highlighting how tempo, orchestration, and vocal delivery can completely reshape a song’s meaning and mood. In the Mailbag, we discuss the impact music can have beyond commercial success. A moving account from the Aarhus Vocal Music Festival and personal anecdotes from both Elaine and Trist underscore how even lesser-known albums and performances can inspire, comfort, and change lives. PLUS a big announcement at the end! Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/gAXW5Xq496g?is=aV82pFMhJLgNGPrWSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/4duESN1aJkwMO35NUV8VkR?si=a818b20c175b4674Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/blue-velvet/1102783941Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B01E9DSGZ4?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_FxdC1U4ljX50EWNQnU6AmJfV8&trackAsin=B01E9DSVBS Other links Upward Spiral - Marsalis MusicBlue Velvet, Bobby Vinton versionBlue Velvet, Tony Bennett versionBlue Velvet, Tony Bennett and k.d. lang versionPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

  8. Jun 2

    Bootlegs, minimalism, and a songwriting legacy: A Place in Heaven (Prince)

    Prince’s “A Place in Heaven” stands out as a hidden gem in his vast catalog. This episode dives deep into its unique musical structure, production history, and the artist’s experimental genius. We unpack the song’s waltz-like 3/4 time signature, unexpected chord changes, and minimalist instrumentation, discussing how Prince’s prolific creativity led to a vault of unreleased tracks. We also analyze the song’s lyrical themes, exploring motifs of longing, innocence, and social commentary rooted in the 1980s, and discuss how Prince’s vocal delivery and compositional choices reflect both vulnerability and innovation. In the mailbag section, we discuss the importance of kindness, collaboration, and relationship-building in the music industry, drawing from audience messages and personal experience. Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG6MSmPbX2YSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/4aJNQt6O0cYHFJU7aDAhRi?si=09e55632804a4f4fApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/a-place-in-heaven-prince-vocal-2020-remaster/1544308811Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B08Q8SDHRJ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_pOy6j4aLaKcic7q220Hewt8V4&trackAsin=B08QB1MNPY Other links Wikipedia article on Wendy & Lisa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_%26_LisaLisa version of “A Place in Heaven”: https://youtu.be/vz9DMBoCTVcPlaylist of the songs we’ve reviewedYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bn23baJ4xQ1t0TMqukELY5W95HwuMoTSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gCOF5M0zYS1fBvXgT5ccI?si=7F3yVdEDRRWa_gAArK3AYgApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/songs-reviewed-on-the-musicians-loupe/pl.u-V9D7maah06JNoAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3b47be4937b7490982f4a872db32ec8dsune?ref=dm_sh_AEFZY8KhvSsz1TGoRmasg6zHZ About us Trist Curless is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, educator, and sound engineer. As a performer, Trist has toured worldwide as a co-founder of the pop-jazz vocal group m-pact and a 10 year member of the Grammy-award winning The Manhattan Transfer. In addition to these two vocal powerhouse groups, he’s also performed with Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, New York Voices, Vox Audio, Naturally 7, and The Swingle Singers. His latest venture, The LHR Project, is a new vocal group collective celebrating legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. As an audio engineer, Trist has toured nationally with several vocal groups and bands in a large variety of venues, working for Grammy award winners Pentatonix and Take 6, as well as prominent a cappella vocal groups Straight No Chaser, VoicePlay, and Accent. Elaine Chao, M.Ed is a San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, vocal percussionist, and songwriter whose career spans a cappella, contemporary worship, and classical music. She has leveraged her training in classical and choral music over the course of her contemporary performance, including in orchestras for musical theatre and in sacred spaces. In addition to music, she also is a martial artist and published author. She currently leads a product management team at a major software company dedicated to creative expression. All statements in this podcast are her own and do not reflect the opinions of her employer.

See All (38)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A discussion about music and musicianship by Trist Curless (jazz singer, educator, sound engineer, and recording engineer, formerly of m-pact and The Manhattan Transfer) and Elaine Chao, M.Ed (multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, beatboxer, singer-songwriter, author, and former educator). Each week, we listen to a song together and discuss the music we love through the lens of decades in the music industry. Topics include analysis of songwriting, chord progression, instrumentation, recording technology, and arrangement.

Information

  • Creator
    Elaine Chao and Trist Curless
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025-2026 Elaine C. Chao and Trist Curless
  • Show Website
    The Musician's Loupe

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