Five Songs for the Rhodes
A halftime alternative courtesy of the military-musical complex
In the mid 1940s, Harold Rhodes, a young established piano teacher and member of the US Army Air Corp, wanted to find a way to teach piano to wounded airmen. He needed a small, portable piano (synthesizer keyboards did not exist yet). Using wood and leftover metal tubing from B-17 bombers, he created a small instrument where keys move hammers that hit tubes and ring out a tone. The creation was small enough to be played in bed. The invention was a perfect solution to his problem and more than 125,000 of them were produced. Thank you very much military-musical complex.
When creating the ultimate war time music therapy piano, however, Rhodes missed an opportunity, as he could have named this new instrument a “Pipe Hammer,” or The “Hammer Tine,” or maybe, if he was a dad, the “Key-17 Bomber,” but no. He opted for the “Xylette” (officially the “Army Air Corp Piano”).
Despite the name, the instrument was a success. After the war, he would expand on this invention, eventually creating a full size keyboard where hammers would strike tines connected to tone bars that resonate like a tuning fork. Electric pick ups placed near each bar transmit the acoustic resonance to an amplifier.
The distinctive instrument would become a favorite of jazz and rock musicians and known as the Rhodes Piano (or the “Fender Rhodes”). It is still used today. Of course, like most acoustic instruments (including pipe organs!) the distinctive sound of the Rhodes can now be reproduced digitally via synthesizers (sigh).
Here are five songs for the Rhodes, an intro to the instrument and some of my favorite iconic tracks that have used it.
Angela (Theme to Taxi)
Bob James on the 1977 album Touchdown
I have no idea why this album was called Touchdown or featured a football and the NFL logo on the cover, but it’s a perfect track to kick off this intro to the Rhodes piano as we head in to Super Bowl weekend. “Angela” puts the Rhodes front and center, showing off its distinctive timbre. The tune is catchy and memorable which made it a perfect fit for the late 70’s TV Show, Taxi.
As
Stevie Wonder on the 1976 Album Songs in the Key of Life
What could be an over-sentimental love song erupts into an irresistibly groovy Rhodes driven piece. Here we hear how the Rhodes can fit as part of a much larger production. An all time great.
Fat Mama
Herbie Hancock on the 1969 Album Fat Albert Rotunda
Composed for the 1969 animated special, Hey, Hey, Hey, It’s Fat Albert, Herbie Hancock employs the Rhodes Piano in this infectious and pretty instrumental. Here the song introduces the rhythm through the horn section, setting the stage for the Rhodes to make an entrance with the melody. This track highlights how well the Rhodes can fit in an ensemble setting, trading, leading, and backing the other instruments at various times. Watch for the various figures and flourishes beginning around the 2:30 mark as the horns build in behind the piano, a great moment and an example Herbie Hancock at his playful best.
Riders on the Storm
The Doors on the 1971 Album L.A. Woman
I don’t spin The Doors that often, but to roll out an introduction to the Rhodes without “Riders on the Storm” could create a rift in the space time continuum and violate several state and Federal regulations at the same time. It is a terrific, ominous, and atmospheric—actual thunderstorm atmospheric—track worth adding to the rotation.
Red Baron
Billy Cobham on the 1973 album Spectrum
The Rhodes sound became a favorite of Jazz fusion artists, jazz that incorporated electronic instruments and amplification (“fusing” rock and jazz). The Rhodes amplification options made it a perfect fit for this emerging genre. Jan Hammer is the keyboardist on “Red Baron” (Cobham is the drummer), and he would also take advantage of the Rhodes ability to be modified by effects. Jazz fusion is known for getting a bit, um, “out there.” This track lives up to that reputation in places but has a subtle, lolling, groove that is catchy and accessible . . . most of the time.
Here’s the list for this week. Considering spinning these when you are looking for an alternative to the to the Super Bowl halftime show.
Nice article Jarrett. Very eclectic mix of tunes!👍🎼😎