Yes, that IS the dude who sings "Don't Worry, Be Happy."

Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic scale, using audience participation, at the event "Notes & Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus", from the 2009 World Science Festival, June 12, 2009.

World Science Festival 2009: Bobby McFerrin Demonstrates the Power of the Pentatonic Scale from World Science Festival on Vimeo.

Comments

Jason said…
You find the coolest crap.

What is remarkable to me is all the people needed was just one note and then regardless of where he went they could (with the help of the whole community) discover what note was the 'correct' note for that occasion.

I am not advocating for individual relativism but this sort of thing really calls into question the idea of a one universal truth (or in this case pitch).

The people may not have had perfect pitch individually, but collectively they could sing and dance.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009 8:35:00 AM
pomopilgrim@gmail.com said…
great insight...impressed as well with how the group picked up so quickly and were able to make the next step...wondered if the majority of the audience were musicians...i really appreciate what you have to say about the collective music they make.
Thursday, August 06, 2009 1:33:00 PM
Estee said…
I used this to talk about my metaphor for preachign the other night. It went well, so thank you.
Friday, August 07, 2009 6:40:00 AM
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