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. 3D AGO

    The blues, collaborative duets, and a harmonica solo: Everyday (I Have the Blues) (Tony Bennett)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ethfkbryt0 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/0djVp1dfkHrq6dxnFkjgMi?si=ebab0df0719945fa Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/everyday-i-have-the-blues-with-stevie-wonder/572652905 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00A70V8TU?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_7ocbabTtLIkc6aWbBg6IMQ8WB&trackAsin=B00A70V9OO Other links Howard Levy on the harmonica - https://youtu.be/9gQgjHTNkmk Interview with Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E88BMN96hJQ Key takeaways Trist and Elaine highlight Stevie Wonder’s soaring harmonica solo in the song, emphasizing his effortless mastery of the instrument and the harmonica’s unique role in blues musicElaine and Trist talk about Tony Bennett’s career, which spanned decades, and how duets and MTV Unplugged helped him expand his reach into broader audiences over the yearsIn the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss how record stores serve as vital third spaces for fostering community and connecting music enthusiasts, despite the challenges posed by online marketplaces 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...

    29 min

  2. FEB 10

    Solo voice, multiple registers, and live performance: Blackbird (Bobby McFerrin)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v8uzMFb74M Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/5bNoizZe6YhwPXGt0mu7fX?si=22a02fc363a44d9e Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/nz/song/blackbird/41228105 Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0011ZYCU2?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_5PzlbJJBi2oR2UNWbHSRu4VZo&trackAsin=B0011ZP7H4 Key takeaways Trist and Elaine discuss Bobby McFerrin’s live solo vocal album through the lens of “Blackbird,” a Beatles cover. In the piece, McFerrin uses techniques like switching between vocal registers and singing while breathing in, which showcases his exceptional precision and intonationElaine and Trist also emphasize the magic of McFerrin's live performances, where his playful sounds, such as bird flapping noises and whistling, elicit delighted reactions from the audienceIn the Mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist talk about both classic and modern ways to get more exposure for a new act, including opening for similar bands, collaborating with local businesses, and networking at music workshops, camps, and conferences 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.

    28 min

  3. FEB 3

    Chord progressions, jazz rhythms, and a call for community: The Baker’s Daughter (Laila Biali)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCOWHFugLhc Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6axEByVcWO1rGvJ8wbG2Fy?si=832914b3dd424062 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/au/song/the-bakers-daughter/1502087315 Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B085NW7BRC?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_EYeB2kM01aUtFssDMJz3YWKlw&trackAsin=B085NWGRXL  Key takeaways Trist and Elaine discuss Laila Biali’s “The Baker’s Daughter,” which Biali had initially composed as an instrumental piece during her college years and later added lyricsThe podcast highlights the song's structure, rhythm, lyrics, mix, and the subtle use of brass and doubled vocals in creating the lush jazz soundIn the Mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine discuss the importance of consuming media and engaging in activities with intention rather than by default 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.

    32 min

  4. JAN 27

    Brass, dissonance, and pedal tones: Overture (Björk)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w6apA_LbOE Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/1cgesvTA9wgm2x6a6AEjnn?si=03d52c468f934754 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/overture/313221988 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0027OQ2ZY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_JV1c672eQzcyAHeWfT24LjGtR&trackAsin=B0027OQ3AI Other links “New World” by BjörkYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZt8eic_KNw Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6tgLIvZaal11lbuSXv48BD?si=3d0ba049609f4695 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/new-world/313222042 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0027OQ2ZY?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_TH5hZ5UARlYNOpFbIQiGCRM3g&trackAsin=B0027OM5ZK “The Carnival of Venice” with Wynton Marsalis - https://youtu.be/q0V4qPEK8jQ Key takeaways Trist and Elaine discuss “Overture,” a movie soundtrack composed by Björk, focusing on the arrangement and textural choices she made in this all-brass arrangementThis episode delves into how Björk’s "Overture" uses repeated themes, pedal tones, and layering to build and resolve tension, creating a captivating listening experienceIn the Mailbag segment, Trist and Elaine discuss the concept of setting a personal limit on recording takes, balancing perfectionism with practicality, and how technology has changed the approach to music production 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...

    32 min

  5. JAN 20

    South African harmonies, bilingual songwriting, and hailing a taxi: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (Paul Simon)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXe2HzFOJYQ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/71GvlH0VdeClloLIkHrAVu?si=86a85fa9cc56478c Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/diamonds-on-the-soles-of-her-shoes/529574619 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0085LMFAE?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_InQKPS94PVgshxXsoqYCrDrci&trackAsin=B0085LMI9W  Key takeaways Trist and Elaine discuss “Diamonds in the Soles of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon in collaboration with the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This song showcases the rich musical traditions of South Africa and addresses themes of class disparity and cultural integration during the apartheid eraThe lyrics of the song incorporate South African cultural elements, such as the "sign of a teaspoon" and "sign of a wave," which reference specific taxi signals in South Africa, adding depth and context to the narrativeIn the Mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine explore the idea that musical ability is not solely dependent on innate talent but can be cultivated through dedication and practice, emphasizing that anyone can achieve a decent level of musical proficiency with effort 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.

    30 min

  6. JAN 13

    Simplicity, storytelling, and a breakup averted: Never on the Day You Leave (John Mayer)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1d5c1fVxSA Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3TQbr3G3U5wlwEJejmqC1F Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/never-on-the-day-you-leave/1224353385 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B06Y3HV2N3?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_gArDR5BzTxFt1Suiqwo03YUHf&trackAsin=B06Y3R6LPH Other links “Further Notes on Scenius,” May 2017, Austin Kleon, quoting Brian Eno on the term “Scenius” Key takeaways Trist and Elaine discuss the storytelling and lyrical depth of John Mayer’s song “Never on the Day You Leave,” highlighting its emotional journey and impactful outroThe song's minimalistic instrumentation, including acoustic and clean electric elements, creates a sense of intimacy and supports the poignant lyrics, emphasizing the emotional weight of the narrativeIn the mailbag segment, Elaine and Trist emphasize the critical role of local music venues and audiences in fostering emerging artists and creating a thriving music community 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.

    31 min

  7. JAN 6

    Hocket, pocket, and a surprise brass breakdown: Workin' Day and Night (Michael Jackson)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWnyCxva6bA Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/6BdiFsPMPkSEEO4fFXFVWX Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/workin-day-and-night/186166410 Amazon - https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00138KJY0?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_n0DKAlMsv9XvZL5bSVgX5cY0z&trackAsin=B00137QO0O Other links Hocket in horns breakdownJackson family demo of Workin’ Day and NightHorns in the NY subway station (Lucky Chops) Key takeaways In this episode, Trist and Elaine explore how Michael Jackson incorporates the ancient musical technique of hocket, originating from 13th-14th century choral music, into his song "Workin' Day and Night," creating a seamless melody from alternating instrumental partsThe discussion highlights the rich, human elements of the "Off the Wall" album, including live brass sections, hand drums, and vocal percussive sounds, contrasting it with later albums that relied more heavily on synthesizers and programmed soundsElaine and Trist discuss how musicians with corporate jobs can play a vital role in the music industry by using their income to fund projects, pay fellow musicians, and sustain their passion for music while maintaining financial stability 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

    32 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Vocal jazz, doo-wop, and a little melodica: In the Still of the Night (I’ll Remember) (Johnny Mathis)

    Listen to the song YouTube - https://youtu.be/Hr1M6wWBei0?si=ygI48sWUK1WvFumB Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/20DUr5qMlguUSIeVsquajt?si=90324010b59a4cc7 Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/song/in-the-still-of-the-night-ill-remember/270027184 Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/albums/B00138JBLM?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_nzxPmWqf3yYHOkPUPqfx65MuE&trackAsin=B001389W7A  Other links Take 6The Five SatinsThe BobsThe PersuasionsVulfpeck Key takeaways Trist and Elaine discuss Johnny Mathis' rendition of "In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember)" with Take 6, highlighting the unique arrangement and the contrast between Mathis' wide vibrato and Take 6's tight, straight-toned jazz harmoniesThe hosts analyze the distinct features of Take 6's arrangement, including close vocal harmonies, walking bass lines, syncopated backgrounds, subtle jazz chord tensions, and the use of vocal techniques to mimic instrumental soundsIn the mailbag portion, Trist and Elaine discuss different approaches to merchandise, such as limited runs, and how these strategies can help artists create a sense of exclusiveness and urgency to purchase. ​ They also touch on evaluating the return on investment of merchandise sales, especially for indie artists​ 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...

    32 min
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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
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Elaine C. Chao and Trist Curless
  • Show Website
    The Musician's Loupe