Piano Lessons

This week’s lesson takes us to the sun-splashed landscape of Orange County, California, where Jack's Mannequin created their own unique melding of rock and pop. Under the musical guidance of Andrew McMahon who cut his teeth with the piano driven rock group, Something Corporate, Read more »

Jack's Mannequin has captured in their sound the airy spirit of Southern California, as witnessed in this week’s irocku exclusive, Dark Blue. Written by McMahon while on hiatus from Something Corporate in 2004, Dark Blue was included in the 2005 release, Everything in Transit. The album reached number 37 on the Billboard charts and set the stage for a summer tour in support of the release; however, McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and had to undergo chemo treatments before the tour could begin. McMahon has made a full recovery and the band returned to the road and studio and has been going strong ever since. Dark Blue begins with a bright, up-tempo piano intro with the drums and other instruments joining in after a few bars. The sound is airy and windswept, aided by the beautiful vocals of McMahon that crescendos into a flawless falsetto. The two entities are a perfect match, the vocal drives the song along Pacific Coast Highway while the music's melodic tempo and pulsating beat evoke a feeling inherent in the optimism of sunshine, blue skies, and endless beaches. If you want to know what Southern California feels like then, Dark Blue by Andrew McMahon is the song for you, a must for serious piano players looking to develop their overall musical chops!

Andrew McMahon is considered by many to be the current generation’s Billy Joel. He is a passionate and talented singer/songwriter. In Dark Blue, Andrew engages the I, V, vi, IV chord progression that is found everywhere in rock and pop. It’s a must learn.

Written by Andrew McMahon
Published by SONGS Music Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved   Used by Permission

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