Ain T No Mountain High Enough Analysis

The song that I chose for this project was “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The 1966 song is a wonderful representation of the combination of R&B/Soul that created the division of Motown. This song has been reprised over the years but none could come close to the original sound, it truly commands respect for the complexity hidden behind simplicity. On that note I wanted to create an experience that was visually simple but extremely elegant and smooth to pay homage to not only one of my favorite songs but one of the best songs from the 60’s. The song is such a powerful song on its own that I did not want to dishonor it by creating a distracting light show, I wanted it to reflect what a concert would have looked like at the time period. Using the songs music video for inspiration into how the artist chose
Slowly a large central light appears on stage in time to the opening of the song, fully forming just as Mr. Gaye beings to serenade. Soon the powerful voice of Tammi Terrell joins and they break into the chorus, and just as they sing “Listen baby, ain't no mountain high” a second circular light appears on stage right. In this rather low budget production there will be a chair with a sign exclaiming “MOUNTAIN”. However, if this was an actual concert performance I would have the new light highlight a mountain cutout- hopefully in the style of Bob Ross. Bob Ross is not only a great artist but his art reflects his calm and easygoing personality, something that appears also in the song. When the line “Ain’t no valley low enough” is sung a third circular light appears on stage left. Once again this is a high school lighting project so there will be a chair with the word “VALLEY” on it, but if I had actual money it would be a valley cutout. As the chorus wraps up with “ Ain't no river wide enough baby” blue lights will develop on the backdrop, symbolizing the