Soundtrack Musical World: ARTICLE: The Princess and the frog

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SoundtrackNet : Article - The Princess and the Frog - Sing Me A Story

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Article

by Dan Goldwasser
Published: 03/09/2010

Printable Version

Music has always played an important role in Disney's animated films. The combination of music and lyrics propels the story forward by expressing the characters' aspirations, emotions, and thoughts, as well as defining time and place.

Given the importance of New Orleans to the development of jazz, the music in The Princess and the Frog was particularly integral to establishing the authenticity of the story. Songwriter and composer, Randy Newman combined jazz and later music styles, centered in and around New Orleans, to energize the mood of the film.

DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS
The opening song establishes the theme and tone of the world in which our story is about to be told.

Performed by Dr. John
Style: RAGTIME

One of the essential predecessor musical genres to jazz, ragtime (or 'ragged' time) used syncopated rhythms to create a danceable style of music intended for couples rather than groups; enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918.

ALMOST THERE
The Hero/Heroine of every story is usually on a quest of some sort, and this song reveals our main character's desire or purpose.

Performed by Anika Noni Rose as Tiana
Style: NEW ORLEANS JAZZ

The blending of such diverse cultures as French, Spanish, Caribbean and others residing in the New Orleans area, contributed to the sounds that emanated from this melting pot of music by the early 1920's.

FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE
When explored through song, a broader sweep of the villain's true character and evil plot can be displayed in an entertaining manner.

Performed by Keith David as Dr. Facilier
Style: BIG BAND CARIBBEAN SWING

Swing jazz caught on in the mid-1930s when big bands toured the United States. Unlike other types of jazz, Big Band music is carefully composed to show off the instrument groups. This style is often peppered with various inflections of regional rhythms, as in this Caribbean flavored song.

WHEN WE'RE HUMAN
A lively song that explains or explores the changes our character's must go through to reach their goal.

Performed by Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis, Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, and Anika Noni Rose as Tiana and featuring Terence Blanchard on Trumpet
Style: DIXIELAND JAZZ

Sometimes called "hot jazz" or "New Orleans jazz", this style is marked by the improvisation of trumpet, trombone and clarinet over a rhythm section composed of piano, guitar or banjo, drums, and a double bass or tuba.

GONNA TAKE YOU THERE
This spirited song signals an important event or change for our characters within their journey.

Performed by Jim Cummings as Ray and featuring Terrance Simien on accordian and frottoir
Style: ZYDECO

Zydeco translates into English as: 'snap beans.' This style of music stems from Louisiana's bayous, blending Afro- Caribbean rhythms with folk roots, blues, and Cajun music. Originally created at social gatherings and house dances, Zydeco most often includes rub-boards (frottoir) and accordions.

MA BELLE EVANGELINE
Whenever love occurs within a story, either as the goal, or something that happens along the way, the impact is double-felt when conveyed through song.

Performed by Jim Cummings as Ray, featuring Terence Blanchard on trumpet
Style: CAJUN BALLAD

A slow, contemplative song, but when performed with specific rhythmic approaches, certain inflections and instrumentation, a ballad becomes jazz. This delicate country waltz is rooted in the Cajun style of ballads of the French-speaking Acadians of Canada. and around New Orleans, to energize the mood of the film.

DIG A LITTLE DEEPER
This joyous song performed well into the story, energizes the audience for the final scenes and is so entertaining that it sometimes 'stops' the show.

Performed by Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, featuring The Pinnacle Gospel Choir
Style: GOSPEL / NEW ORLEANS FUNK

Gospel is often accompanied by instruments associated with blues and "Dig A Little Deeper" weaves strong funk rhythms and blues styles into a joyous Gospel celebration.