2020-06-24 Whats Going On

With so many things "going on" (in classes and the world) the study of this song by Marvin Gaye feels SO appropriate!

• Download the multi-tracks here:
  • MarvinGaye-WhatsGoingOn.zip
  • Recorded back in 1970 (before DAWs and Auto-Tune), these are real humans playing together live in the studio
  • If you don't have Pro Tools, simply drag the audio files into your DAW
  • The included mix came from 192k 24 bit FLAC file

Whats Going On Resources

1. Making Records with Eric Valentine - "What's Going On"
   • Watch the amazing Eric Vallentine deconstruct this song!
2. Marvin Gaye 'What's Going On?' - SOS Magazine
3. For more information go here: Marvin Gaye - Whats Going On - Mix Deconstruct

When I applied for this job at Foothill College back in 2007, I was required to write a Diversity Statement. Reading it today, I thought it was appropriate to share. As musicians and artists, we are in the position to help improve the world.

Diversity

by Bruce Tambling

Multiculturalism, ethnic diversity and equality encompass the unifying spirit of humanity as well as the politics of difference. The ability to recognize, respect, understand and embrace these aspects as inherent elements of the human condition serves as a measurement of one’s character. I uphold these beliefs to be true unequivocally in both my personal and professional life, and have learned that diversity enriches and enhances our lives, infusing our minds, bodies and spirits with purpose and compassion.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was surrounded and profoundly influenced by a very diverse neighborhood. Our family values reinforced inclusion and acceptance of all people. My mother used to say that the fingers on our hands are like the different religions in the world, all leading to the same God. One Easter when I was about 8 years old, my mother proceeded to make an omelet after we had dyed dozens of eggs different colors. She said, “Look at all the different colors of the eggs. Aren’t they beautiful? They are like the different colors of people’s skin.” Then she cracked open the eggs and said, “But inside they are all the same.”

On the surface, this story may appear to be merely a childish analogy, but the fact of the matter is underneath the appearance of our differences (i.e., race, creed, color, religion, gender, physical and mental ability), we are all the same. We are more alike than different—one people with the same basic needs and hearts. I am very glad that I grew up in a family in which racism, prejudice and intolerance were unfathomable.

My ignorance of these social ills is something that I attribute greatly to my mother’s positive and good-natured guidance. She believed a rainbow is a universal symbol representative of the bright and beautiful union of all people. She lived her life by example according to this fundamental principle and taught us to do the same. Her value system affected me profoundly and molded my character, conduct and world view into and throughout adulthood—to be open-minded, accepting and tolerant of all people. My mother died of breast cancer in 1981, but her life and death became the motivation for me to study holistic medicine.

To read the full essay go here: Bruce Tambling Diversity Statement