Entertainment
Quincy Jones mastered the art of arrangement, transforming simple tunes into epic soundscapes
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Jose Valentino Ruiz, University of Florida
On the sleeve notes of some of the most memorable and best-selling albums of all time, you’ll find the words “Produced and arranged by Quincy Jones.”
It was a hallmark of quality.
Jones, who died on Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 91, transformed our understanding of musical arrangement. His work spanned decades and genres, from jazz and pop to hip-hop and film scoring. He worked with pop icons like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, and also collaborated with lesser-known artists such as Lesley Gore and Tevin Campbell.
Each of his projects, collaborations and forays into new genres redefined what it meant to arrange music.
As a music business and entrepreneurship professor, I’ve studied and taught Jones’ techniques, which I hope can inspire the next generation of musicians.
A master musical architect
Musical arrangement might seem like an abstract concept.
Simply put, it’s the art of deciding how a song unfolds. While a composer writes the melody and harmony, an arranger shapes the experience, choosing which instruments play when, how textures build and where dynamics shift.
Arrangement transforms a song from notes on paper into a fully realized piece of art that resonates with listeners. In essence, an arranger acts as a musical architect, designing the structure of a song to tell a compelling story.
Jones brought a visionary approach to arranging. He wasn’t merely filling in the gaps around a melody with a drum beat here and a horn section there; he was crafting a musical narrative that gave each instrument a purpose, guiding listeners through an emotional journey.
From his early work in the 1950s and 1960s with jazz greats like Count Basie and R&B star Ray Charles, to his blockbuster productions with Michael Jackson, Jones saw arrangement as a tool to guide listeners from one musical moment to the next.
Elevating voices
His work on “Sinatra at the Sands” is but one example.
Jones created lush, energetic big-band arrangements that perfectly complemented Sinatra’s smooth, warm voice. The choice of brass swells and the dynamic shifts amplified Sinatra’s charisma, turning the album into a lively, almost-cinematic experience. Unlike many arrangements, which often stay in the background, Jones’ took center stage, blending harmoniously with Sinatra’s vocals while adding depth and excitement to the entire performance.
In Ray Charles’ “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” Jones used orchestral swells and background vocals to bring out the soul in Charles’ voice, creating a richly emotional experience for listeners. By intelligently pairing Charles’ gospel-tinged vocals with a polished, orchestral arrangement, Jones captured the tension between sorrow and resilience – a demonstration of his ability to communicate complex emotions through arrangement.
Turning songs into stories
Jones’ skill at using arrangement as a storytelling device was exemplified by his collaboration with Jackson.
Albums like “Thriller” and “Off the Wall” showcased Jones’ knack for inventively layering sounds. On “Thriller,” Jones combined electronic and acoustic elements to create a multidimensional soundscape that set a new standard for production.
His ability to incorporate textures, background vocals and unique instrument choices – such as horror actor Vincent Price’s iconic narration on the song “Thriller” – transformed pop music, setting the stage for future producers to experiment with storytelling in their own arrangements.
In Jackson’s “Bad,” Jones pushed the boundaries of genre by blending funk rhythms with pop structures, giving Jackson’s music a timeless appeal.
The title track’s arrangement has layers of rhythm and harmony that build a feeling of tension and power, enhancing Jackson’s message of confidence and defiance. Each instrument and background vocal in “Bad” serves a purpose, creating a sound that is bold, exciting and engaging.
Lessons for educators
For educators teaching music production and commercial music, Jones’ approach provides a gold mine of practical lessons.
First, his commitment to genre fusion teaches students the importance of versatility. Jones’ career demonstrates that blending jazz, pop, funk and even classical elements can create something innovative and accessible. Students can learn to break free from the constraints of single-genre production, seeing instead how various musical styles can work together to create fresh, engaging sounds.
Second, Jones’ emphasis on storytelling through arrangement offers students a framework for making music that resonates.
In my classes, I encourage students to ask themselves: How does each musical element support the emotional arc of the song? By studying Jones’ arrangements, students learn to think of themselves as storytellers, not just sound engineers. They can begin to see arrangement as an art form in itself – one that has the power to captivate audiences by drawing them into a musical journey.
Finally, Jones’ work shows the power of collaboration. His willingness to work across genres and with a variety of artists – each bringing unique perspectives – demonstrates the value of open-mindedness and adaptability.
His life’s work serves as a reminder that music is more than just sound; it’s an experience shaped by careful, intentional decisions, with every sound and silence in a piece of music serving a purpose. https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2iOfY6JjW9bevw3dQLwq6a?utm_source=generator
Jose Valentino Ruiz, Associate Professsor of Music Business and Entrepreneurship, University of Florida
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Entertainment
Hollywood’s Biggest Night Gets the Ultimate Toast: Tequila Don Julio’s Oscars®-Worthy Cocktails
Tequila Don Julio returns to the Oscars® on March 2, 2025, showcasing signature cocktails while pledging $500,000 for fire relief efforts, combining celebration with community support and artistic ventures.
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As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night draws near, anticipation fills the air. This year, on March 2, 2025, the Oscars® will once again illuminate the entertainment industry, and Tequila Don Julio is ready to help celebrate in style. Returning for the eighth consecutive year as a proud partner of the Governors Ball—the official after-party of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—Tequila Don Julio is set to dazzle with a cocktail experience that pays homage to both film and culture.
Crafting an Exquisite Cocktail Experience
In collaboration with globally acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly and the acclaimed Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, Tequila Don Julio has curated a stunning lineup of signature cocktails that draw inspiration from the rich, vibrant flavors of Modern Mexico. Each cocktail promises to elevate the evening, ensuring that every sip is as memorable as the moments celebrated on stage.
“Each cocktail gets the star-studded treatment with Tequila Don Julio at the foundation,” says Joly. “It’s an incredible honor for us to show up with celebratory cocktails made just for that night.” With this level of thoughtfulness, Tequila Don Julio is ready to impress not just the stars walking the red carpet, but also those tuning in from home.
A Toast to Resilience
This year’s festivities carry an added layer of significance, as Tequila Don Julio has pledged $500,000 to support Los Angeles fire relief efforts. In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have impacted the community, the brand is stepping up to lend a helping hand, emphasizing their commitment to the city that has been a second home for them.
Tequila Don Julio is partnering with affected Mexican artists to auction unique artwork pieces via Charitybuzz.com, with proceeds directed towards the Another Round Another Rally’s Disaster Relief Fund. This endeavor not only supports the artistic community but also provides essential relief to hospitality workers affected by the wildfires.
Icons in a Glass
The cocktail selection debuting at the Governors Ball includes an impressive array of concoctions, designed to impress even the most discerning palates. Here are a couple of standout creations:
Golden Age Gimlet
By Handshake Speakeasy
This refreshing cocktail features:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
- 1 ½ oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Vanilla Syrup
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake thoroughly, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an olive.
The Clear Winner
By Charles Joly
A delightful mix that brings out the best in Tequila Don Julio Reposado:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 1 oz Tamarind Syrup
- 1 ½ oz Hibiscus Tea
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a Collins glass over a large format ice cube. Garnish with a citrus slice.
Celebrating with Responsibility
As Hollywood’s brightest stars gather for a night filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt speeches, Tequila Don Julio encourages everyone—both in-person and at home—to celebrate responsibly. With innovative cocktails and a commitment to community support, Tequila Don Julio is not just raising glasses; they are raising hopes for a brighter future in Los Angeles.
In a industry where celebration often goes hand-in-hand with giving back, Tequila Don Julio is a refreshing reminder that one can enjoy the good times while also uplifting those in need. So, as you gear up for Oscars® night, why not mix up a signature cocktail, toast to the resilience of the community, and enjoy the magic of cinema with a twist of Mexico?
For updates on the auction and cocktail recipes, follow @donjuliotequila on social media. Here’s to Hollywood’s biggest night—you won’t want to miss a moment! Cheers! 🥂
ABOUT TEQUILA DON JULIO
Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio González and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. The original luxury tequila of choice in Mexico, Tequila Don Julio uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Añejo, Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino, Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com.
**Amount donated excludes credit card fees and auctioneer’s fees. Minimum bid for each artwork, $5,000. No bid accepted/no donation made if auction reserve price is not met. Must be 21+ with valid credit card to place bid. Auction dates: 2/25/2025 -3/11/2025. Auctioneer: CharityBuzz, LLC, 437 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Donation made to Another Round Another Rally, https://AnotherRoundAnotherRally.org, 1 N 1st Street Suite 7245, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Winning bids may not be tax deductible.
SOURCE Tequila Don Julio
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Entertainment
Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Andrew Scott Join Forces with SXSW Film & TV Festival
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In a delightful fusion of cinematic artistry and whiskey craftsmanship, Redbreast Irish Whiskey has announced its partnership with acclaimed Irish actor Andrew Scott and the prestigious SXSW Film & TV Festival to launch ‘Redbreast Unhidden.’ This ambitious initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the hidden gems within the film industry, providing talented filmmakers with a platform to shine and audiences with a chance to discover unique stories.
A New Era for Film and Whiskeys
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ campaign marks an exciting chapter in Redbreast’s new global initiative, ‘Quite the Find,’ which emphasizes the joy of discovery. Just as the first sip of Redbreast reveals a complex tapestry of flavors, this partnership seeks to uncover extraordinary films that might otherwise fly under the radar. The campaign is a testament to both the art of filmmaking and the tradition of whiskey-making that Redbreast has perfected over the last century.
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Irish Distillers, expressed the essence of this collaboration beautifully when he said, “We invite whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers on a journey that celebrates craftsmanship, character, and complexity in the creative worlds of whiskey and film.” Redbreast’s rich and complex profiles perfectly mirror the multifaceted stories told by independent filmmakers, making this partnership a match made in creative heaven.
Handpicked by Talent: The Short Films Selection
At the heart of ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ lies an exciting selection of six short films that exemplify the spirit of this initiative. Curated by Andrew Scott, the films span a variety of genres, reflecting themes of authenticity, resilience, and discovery. Here’s a glimpse at the exceptional works that will be showcased at SXSW:
- One Day This Kid by Alexander Farah
- Entre Tormentas by Frank Zayas
- Nervous Energy by Eve Lui
- Sweetbriar by Danny Rivera
- Brief Somebodies by Andy Reid
- I’m The Most Racist Person I Know by Leela Varghese
Each film captures a unique perspective, ranging from poignant dramas to clever comedies, inviting audiences to engage with pressing societal themes like identity, familial love, and personal struggles.
Celebrating Emerging Voices with the ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’
The collaboration doesn’t stop at showcasing remarkable films; it also aims to uplift emerging voices in the industry. At this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, the inaugural ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’ will be presented. One deserving filmmaker will be honored with a financial award, providing them the support needed to pursue their artistic vision. Andrew Scott himself will participate in selecting the winner, embodying the initiative’s aim to nurture the next generation of creators.
An Invitation to Experience Cinema Like Never Before
From March 11 to 13, 2025, Redbreast will host a series of immersive events at SXSW, inviting attendees to enjoy curated film screenings and explore a hidden speakeasy cinema-inspired bar. For those unable to attend the festival in Austin, fear not! Redbreast is also bringing the spirit of SXSW to major cities across the globe with exclusive film and cocktail experiences, allowing fans to uncover hidden gems from the comfort of their local community.
As Francis Román, Senior Film & TV Programming Manager at SXSW, aptly put it, “The beauty of programming is finding those hidden gems.”
Join the Adventure
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ platform opens up a world of discovery for film lovers and whiskey aficionados alike. Whether you’re a long-time fan of independent cinema or new to the scene, this initiative encourages exploration and appreciation for the artistry behind the camera.
To dive deeper into this collaboration, discover the films being showcased, and stay updated on local events, head to Redbreast’s SXSW page and follow @RedbreastUS on social media.
So, pour yourself a glass of Redbreast, sit back, and prepare to embark on a cinematic journey that will surely reveal stories worth discovering! Cheers to celebrating creativity and the joy of the unexpected!
Follow Redbreast on social:
Instagram @RedbreastUS
Facebook @RedbreastSinglePotStill
About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, is a producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys and Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey, a top 3 selling international whiskey brand and a top 10 international spirits brand, achieving +1% net sales growth globally in FY24. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.
In 2025, Midleton Distillery celebrates 200 years of distilling excellence by unveiling stories from the Irish Distillers archives and hosting a series of special whiskey launches and events.
We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland.
About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
SOURCE Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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Festivals
ITALY, KEY-THE ENERGY TRANSITION EXPO, THE ENERGY TRANSITION COMMUNITY’S GLOBAL REFERENCE NETWORK, IS ABOUT TO START
Energy Transition Expo
- From 5th to 7th March, at Italian Exhibition Group’s Rimini Expo Centre, about 35% international exhibitor brands and over 250 top buyers and delegations from 48 countries expected
- The event consolidates its role as a key international player thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency, collaboration with over 40 foreign associations and a worldwide network of agents
RIMINI, Italy /PRNewswire/ — Over 1,000 exhibitors in over 90,000 square metres of exhibition area and 20 halls for KEY-The Energy Transition Expo, Italian Exhibition Group’s energy transition and efficiency event, a reference point in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean basin, from 5th to 7th March at Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. KEY is set to be the largest and most international edition ever.
Peraboni, Astolfi and Previati comment:
“With over 250 top buyers and delegations from 48 countries,” says Corrado Peraboni, CEO IEG, “and North Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans and Eastern Europe among the most represented geographical areas, the upcoming edition is growing strongly on the international front. Moreover, the number of exhibitors, up 20% compared to 2024, will see 35% arriving from abroad.“
Alessandra Astolfi, Global Exhibition Manager at IEG, adds, “The event therefore consolidates its role as a reference network for the global energy transition and efficiency community thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Italian Trade Agency, and collaboration with over 40 of the sector’s leading foreign associations and the network of agents throughout the world.”
“The extraordinary ability of KEY to unite the sector’s major players during the three days of the Rimini event,” says IEG Exhibition Manager Christian Previati, “favours the encounter, confrontation and dialogue with the institutions and aims to create a system and contribute to speeding up the decarbonisation process.”
The programme of events, organised by the Technical-Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Gianni Silvestrini, is also international in scope and will include, among the others, the German-Italian Energy Talk on the importance of green hydrogen, organised by ITKAM-Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany and Deutsche Messe AG; Accelerating sustainable electrification: the key to economic and social development on the African continent by the RES4Africa Foundation, and Decarbonising Italy’s Electricity by Ibesa.
The full programme on the link
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