Episode #31
Roland Jupiter-4: 23 Iconic Riffs You Know — But Didn’t Realise Were Jupiter-4!
Send us Fan Mail Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic synth riffs, sequences, bass lines and pads on an original vintage Roland Jupiter-4. The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and one of its most distinctive. Andy Whitmore recreates 23 famous synth parts associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, The Cars, Styx, LCD Soundsystem, Sharon Van Etten and more, using an original vintage Jupiter-4. The Roland Jupiter-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer—and although it was later overshadowed by the Jupiter-8, it appeared on some enormous records. In this episode, record producer and keyboard player Andy Whitmore recreates 23 iconic riffs, sequences, bass lines, brass sounds, pads and synth hooks using his original vintage Roland Jupiter-4. Its raw oscillators, distinctive ensemble effect, unusual modulation and famously unpredictable arpeggiator gave the Jupiter-4 a character unlike almost any other synthesizer. It growls, spits, wobbles and frequently sounds as though it has a mind of its own. The episode features music associated with The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Thomas Dolby, John Foxx, The Cars, Styx, Michael Jackson, LCD Soundsystem and Sharon Van Etten. Every musical example has been recreated and performed on Andy’s original vintage Jupiter-4. TRACKS FEATURED Spandau Ballet – To Cut a Long Story Short Main lead line — 1980 The Human League – Don’t You Want Me Bass — 1981 Depeche Mode – New Life Intro synths — 1981 Duran Duran – Rio Arpeggiated sequence — 1982 Duran Duran – Rio Middle-eight brass pad — 1982 Simple Minds – Theme for Great Cities Lead, pad and distorted Jupiter-4 — 1981 Styx – Too Much Time on My Hands Bass and resonant drone — 1981 Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough Intro, lead, bass and Roland KR-55B drums — 1981 Michael Jackson – Thriller Intro brass-pad recreation — 1982 The original sound is more commonly associated with the Jupiter-8’s dual mode. The Human League – Open Your Heart Bass and brass riff — 1981 The Cars – Shake It Up Arpeggiator and organ riff — 1981 Depeche Mode – Photographic Bass sequence, lead riff and upper sequence — 1981 Doctor Who Trombone part from the television theme — 1980 Thomas Dolby – Windpower Lead, bass and brass riff — 1982 The Human League – The Things That Dreams Are Made Of Lead and bass — 1981 The Human League – Dreams of Leaving Sequenced bass — 1980 Depeche Mode – Tora! Tora! Tora! Bass — 1981 The Human League – Seconds Bass, pad and strings — 1981 Heaven 17 – Geisha Boys and Temple Girls Random arpeggiator — 1981 Gary Numan – This Wreckage Multiple Jupiter-4 parts — 1980 LCD Soundsystem – How Do You Sleep? Sequence — 2017 Sharon Van Etten – Jupiter 4 Bass and outro lead — 2018 John Foxx – Europe After the Rain High string line — 1981 The Jupiter-8 may have become the superstar of Roland’s Jupiter range, but the Jupiter-4 has a raw, unstable and slightly dangerous quality that remains completely its own. Which Jupiter-4 sound surprised you most? Let me know—and tell me which classic synthesizer I should explore next. Support the show
