Jacob Collier Decodes the 'Wiggle' in Music
Grammy winner breaks down melody, rhythm, and harmony using Louis Armstrong's classic.
1The concept of 'wiggle'
Jacob Collier, a Grammy-winning musician, introduces the term 'wiggle' to describe the dynamic interplay in music. He explains it as the feeling that moves through a great piece, combining melody, rhythm, and harmony. Collier uses his voice and a grand piano to demonstrate this concept. His approach shows how music thrives on nonlinearity and complexity rather than rigid structures.
2Breakdown with 'What a Wonderful World'
Collier applies his 'wiggle' theory to Louis Armstrong's iconic song, 'What a Wonderful World.' He deconstructs the melody, rhythm, and harmony layers using only his voice and piano. This live demonstration highlights how each element interacts to create emotional depth. The performance reveals the song's underlying complexity despite its seemingly simple structure.
3The role of melody in 'wiggle'
Collier emphasizes melody as the first component of musical 'wiggle.' He illustrates how melodic lines can bend and flow unpredictably. His vocal improvisations show how subtle variations create tension and release. This approach challenges conventional notions of fixed musical scales and predictable progressions.
4Rhythm's contribution to musical flow
The second element Collier examines is rhythm's role in creating 'wiggle.' He demonstrates how rhythmic variations can transform a piece's feel. By altering timing and emphasis, he shows how rhythm adds life to music. His examples prove that strict metronomic timing often lacks the human touch that makes music resonate.
5Harmony as the third dimension
Collier completes his trifecta with harmony, showing how chord progressions contribute to 'wiggle.' He layers unexpected harmonic movements beneath familiar melodies. This technique creates surprising emotional shifts within well-known songs. His approach reveals how harmony can subvert expectations while maintaining musical coherence.
6The nonlinear nature of music
Collier's central thesis argues that music wasn't meant to follow straight lines. His demonstrations prove that the most compelling music embraces unpredictability. This philosophy applies equally to composition and performance. It challenges musicians to explore beyond conventional structures and rules.
7Educational implications of the approach
Collier's method offers a fresh perspective for music education. It moves beyond technical perfection to emphasize emotional expression. This approach could reshape how music theory is taught. It prioritizes understanding over memorization, encouraging students to develop their unique musical voices.
8Impact on musical creativity
Collier's 'wiggle' concept provides a framework for innovation in music. It validates experimental approaches that might otherwise seem unstructured. This philosophy empowers musicians to trust their instincts. Ultimately, it suggests that the most profound musical moments often come from embracing complexity rather than avoiding it.
Original article: TED Talks Daily — Jacob Collier Decodes the 'Wiggle' in Music