Discovering the Unique Flute Techniques of Thick as a Brick Live at Madison Square Garden 1978

TLDRExperience the captivating flute performance of Thick as a Brick Live at Madison Square Garden 1978, featuring innovative techniques like flutter tongue and harmonics. Learn about the artist's self-taught style and the evolution of his playing over the years.

Key insights

1️⃣Flutter tongue, a technique where the flute is played while sounding a 't' or 'd' syllable, adds a unique and fun element to the performance.

2️⃣Harmonics are used to create high-pitched sounds by overblowing the lower notes, resulting in a slightly airy and flat tone.

3️⃣The artist's self-taught approach to flute playing showcases his natural talent and ability to experiment with different styles and techniques.

4️⃣The use of singing while playing the flute adds an interesting touch to the performance, affecting the tone and creating a distinct sound.

5️⃣The artist's unique fingerings and unconventional techniques, such as waving the flute, demonstrate his individuality and freedom in playing.

Q&A

What is flutter tongue?

Flutter tongue is a technique in which the flute is played while making a 't' or 'd' sound, creating a fluttering, breathy effect.

How are harmonics created on the flute?

Harmonics on the flute are achieved by overblowing the lower notes, producing higher-pitched sounds with a slightly airy and flat tone.

Does the artist have formal training in flute playing?

No, the artist is self-taught and has developed his unique style through experimentation and exploration.

What is the significance of singing while playing the flute?

Singing while playing the flute adds an interesting element to the performance, influencing the tone and creating a distinct sound.

Why does the artist use unconventional fingerings and techniques?

The artist's unconventional fingerings and techniques showcase his individuality and artistic freedom in playing the flute.

Timestamped Summary

00:19The performance of Thick as a Brick Live at Madison Square Garden 1978 features the captivating use of flutter tongue, a technique that adds a unique and fun element to the flute playing.

02:51Harmonics, another innovative technique, are used to create high-pitched sounds by overblowing the lower notes, resulting in a slightly airy and flat tone.

06:02The artist's self-taught approach to flute playing allows him to showcase his natural talent and ability to experiment with different styles and techniques.

09:35The incorporation of singing while playing the flute adds an interesting touch to the performance, affecting the tone and creating a distinct sound.

22:42The artist's unique fingerings and unconventional techniques, like waving the flute, demonstrate his individuality and freedom in playing.