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Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Percussion
Percussion instruments are those which are usually struck with sticks to produce a sound. This can include timbales, wood blocks, triangle, xylophones , marimbas, vibraphones, and all drums. Other percussion instruments include shakers such as maracas, bells or the tambourine. If they call you Mr Tambourine Man, then you’re a percussionist (albeit an insulted one). See bass drum , bongo , guiro , hi-hat , snare drum , xylophone .
Pizzicato
 Pizzicato means to pluck the strings of an instrument with normally the index finger of the right hand. Fingernails can be used to release the string which is called fingernail pizzicato.
Portamento
A continuous slide over an interval without sounding the discreet intermediate steps. In jazz the term is interchangable with glissando - a slide where the intermediate steps can be heard.
Producer
 A producer's job is to direct a recording artistically, technically and financially from its inception to the final mix. Producers are often seen as almost Svengali-like figures who create or focus a band or performer's style. Many have signature sounds of their own, for example Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound." Some producers, such as George Martin and Quincy Jones, achieve almost legendary status.
Punk
 A sub-genre of rock characterised by aggressive volume, short, angry vocals and often bitter political or hopeless emotional content. It was born as a reaction to the supposedly bland, corporate rock of the 1970s. Exponents of punk include the Sex Pistols, The Clash, the Ramones and the Buzzcocks. Punk's recent revival is attributed to the dominance of sound-alike "alternative" bands.

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