The "Witch Doctor" video is a popular music video that was released in 1958. The song was written and performed by Ross Bagdasarian Sr., who is also known as David Seville. The video features a fictional witch doctor character who sings the song and performs a catchy dance routine. The video begins with the witch doctor sitting on a chair, wearing a traditional tribal outfit and holding a wooden staff. As the music starts, he begins to sing and dance, shaking his hips and waving his arms.
That degree of success poses a challenge for Washington each time he steps onto a stage: How does he keep his audience happy as it clamors for his big numbers, such as “Mister Magic,” “Winelight” and “Let It Flow,” yet still work in the new material that keeps him fresh?
s two-decade career as a jazz-R instrumentalist boasts consistent worldwide touring and close to two dozen solo albums, one of which, 1980 s Winelight, has sold more than 2 million copies. , The One Man Band knows how to stay in my lane in my Jam Session , let s call my lane Contemporary Soul Instrumental, Smoothed Out, on an R B tip, with Old School Feel, appeal, to it.
As the music starts, he begins to sing and dance, shaking his hips and waving his arms. The character's movements are exaggerated and humorous, adding to the entertainment value of the video. Throughout the video, the witch doctor is shown in various locations, including a jungle setting and a city street.
His Saxophones ‘Sing’ a Story : ‘Mister Magic’ Grover Washington Jr. Will Bring Sense of Spontaneity to the Coach House
Saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.’s two-decade career as a jazz-R&B; instrumentalist boasts consistent worldwide touring and close to two dozen solo albums, one of which, 1980’s “Winelight,” has sold more than 2 million copies.
That degree of success poses a challenge for Washington each time he steps onto a stage: How does he keep his audience happy as it clamors for his big numbers, such as “Mister Magic,” “Winelight” and “Let It Flow,” yet still work in the new material that keeps him fresh?
“It’s a major problem, trying to be musically representative to a 20-year career in the span of an hour and 15 minutes,” Washington said by phone from Fresno, one stop on a tour that brings him to the Coach House on Thursday and the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday.
AdvertisementSo to maintain a sense of spontaneity in each show, he dictates selections by the way his audience responds to different numbers, as well as playing the tunes he and his band mates want to cover.
“That way we usually come up with an across-the-board, well-rounded overview,” said Washington, 49, a Buffalo, N.Y., native who now resides in Philadelphia.
Some tunes are virtual requirements, though.
Take his theme song, “Mister Magic.” The tune was written by percussionist-producer Ralph MacDonald and became the title track on his first big-selling album, recorded in 1974.
“We can’t get out the door unless we play it,” Washington said with a laugh.
That album established Washington as a major-league contemporary-jazz artist. “Winelight,” from 1980, made him a jazz-pop star, as he began to play more arena-size venues. The album won a Grammy for best jazz/fusion album, and the track “Just the Two of Us,” featuring singer Bill Withers, picked up a Grammy the same year as best R & B song and hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Winelight” built a following for Washington that has remained steadfast. Still, the album has proven difficult to surpass, both in terms of sales and audience expectations, Washington said.
“It’s a wonderful thing to be known for one album,” he said. “And it’s also a curse because folks don’t look at the rest of your work in another musical direction asbeing equally as good. ‘Winelight’ sort of overshadows the things you try to accomplish, where you start by following your heart.”
AdvertisementWashington goes on, nonetheless.
His latest collection, 1992’s “Next Exit,” is a diverse mix of styles. The title track is a funk number, “Only for You” is a bubbling Latin tune, “Check Out Grover” includes a rap by Man Slaughter, and Nancy Wilson and Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs turn in cameo vocals on other tracks.
Washington sounds solid on everything from deeply moving ballads and hard-hit funk numbers to thoughtful lines he weaves around a singer to a bubbling Latin number such as “Only for You.”
The saxophonist said that no matter the tune, he strives to play a strong melody and to deliver a story.
“To be connected with a song, you have to call on whatever you have inside of you to play the melody and make it believable and sincere,” he said. “In this respect, less is more. You want to make the melody breathe, give it substance.”
Washington started his career as a tenor saxophonist, made his first solo album, 1971’s “Inner City Blues,” on alto and soon added soprano saxophone to his arsenal. He described his instruments in terms of the human voice.
“I feel the tenor is like the male voice, the alto is a multifaceted female voice, and the soprano is either one, it just depends on the tune,” he said.
The saxophonist said that working on a singing sound on all three horns is still his No. 1 priority.
“I try to get into that frame of mind,” he said. “The only thing I have to talk to the audience with, to communicate with, is my horn, so I listen to a lot of vocalists for phrasing. Sometimes I memorize lyrics so I can sing them through my horn.”
Recently, Washington did a show at the White House, where scores of jazz notables were being honored. He played a duet with Herbie Hancock.
“It was great,” he said, “seeing all those great players like Clark Terry, Illinois Jacquet, who was one of my heroes, and Dorothy Donegan.”
And how did President Clinton sound on saxophone?
“He sounds good,” Washington said. “He is letting the world see another dimension of him, and that is his music. He has a feel for it.”
* Grover Washington Jr. plays Thursday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. $28.50. (714) 496-8930. Washington also headlines Sunday at 6 p.m. at JVC Jazz at the Bowl, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood. $7.50-$13. (213) 850-2000.
The scenes change quickly, creating a fast-paced and energetic atmosphere. The video also includes background dancers, who perform synchronized movements with the witch doctor. One of the highlights of the video is the use of voice manipulation. Ross Bagdasarian Sr. used a recording technique called "double speed" to alter his voice and create a high-pitched and distinctive sound for the witch doctor character. This unique vocal style became a trademark for the song and added to its popularity. "The Witch Doctor" video was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. It was also featured in several films and television shows, further increasing its fame. The video's catchy tune and humorous performance made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. In conclusion, the "Witch Doctor" video is a classic music video that features a memorable performance by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. as a witch doctor character. With its catchy tune, energetic dance routine, and unique vocal style, the video continues to entertain audiences decades after its release..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of Witch Doctors Revealed in The Witch Doctor Video"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "The witch doctor video" after hearing so many good things about it, but I was ultimately disappointed. The video lacked any cohesive storyline and the acting felt forced. The special effects were also underwhelming and didn't add anything to the overall experience. I understand that it was meant to be a low-budget production, but even with that in mind, the execution fell flat for me.
2. John - 3 stars - While "The witch doctor video" had its moments, I found it to be quite predictable and lacking in originality. The plot felt recycled and the characters were one-dimensional. Additionally, the pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on for too long. I appreciate the effort that went into making this video, but it just didn't capture my interest the way I had hoped it would.
3. Megan - 2 stars - I regret wasting my time on "The witch doctor video". The dialogue was cliché and cringe-worthy, making it difficult to take any of the characters seriously. The storyline was weak and offered no surprises. The production quality was also subpar, with shaky camera work and poor lighting. Overall, it was a forgettable experience that I wouldn't recommend.
4. David - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "The witch doctor video", but it ended up being a letdown. The acting was amateurish and the script felt half-baked. The video relied on generic horror tropes without adding anything fresh or innovative. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of slow development followed by rushed climax scenes. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I hadn't wasted my time on this video.
5. Emily - 3 stars - "The witch doctor video" had its moments of intrigue, but it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying story. The plot lacked depth and the character development was minimal. The special effects were unconvincing and took away from the overall experience. While it had some potential, it fell short of my expectations. I wouldn't recommend this video to anyone looking for a truly engaging horror experience.