The Art of Elaboration: A Study of Gary Willis’s Ornamentation in His Interpretation of “Alone Together”

Abstract

The Objective of this academic article is to study the interpretation of the main melody performance in the song “Alone Together” by Gary Willis, from the video Gary Willis Fretless Bass Wizard on BassTheWorld.com. The Study found that Willis places great emphasis on ornamenting and embellishing the main melody. He selects notes that relate to the chord structure, scale, chromatic notes, and superimposed triad. In addition, the use of interval was found to decorate the main melody in various ways to create interest. The performance also demonstrates note position shifting and rhythmic modification, both in the form of rhythmic augmentation and diminution. This academic article is therefore beneficial for those interested in studying Gary Willis’s approach to interpreting the main melody in the song “Alone Together”, as a body of knowledge to further develop and create improvisation techniques in the future.

Keywords: Gary Willis, Interpretation, Alone Together, Electric Bass