“Independent” and “Orchestra” are not two words you often hear in the same … Read Full Bio ↴“Independent” and “Orchestra” are not two words you often hear in the same breath. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what The Portland Cello Project is: an “indie cello orchestra”. The somewhat intimidating 8-16 cello ensemble, The Portland Cello Project (or, PCP, as their fans affectionately call them), has had a meteoric rise in the vibrant Portland music scene. The group has a deep-rooted philosophy of building a stronger music community – a belief that collaboration is the ironic cornerstone of independent musicianship — that has led them to collaborative performances with a veritable “who’s who” list of Portland musicians, from Laura Gibson and Horse Feathers to The Dandy Warhols and The Builders and The Butchers.

PCP performances are unique and eclectic, as likely to mix a Salt N Pepa cover with Bach and follow the medley with something sublime by Arvo Pärt or WEINLAND, as they are to enlist beatbox/comedian/playwright Reggie Watts to collaborate on-stage with them in front of 700 people with no rehearsal to cover a Britney Spears song.

In keeping with this philosophy and the spirit of their eclectic live performances, the group has independently produced an LP available nationally August 12, 2008. Featured on this recording are collaborations with Laura Gibson, WEINLAND, Loch Lomond, 3 Leg Torso, a cover of Toxic, Manuel De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, and… a few more surprises.

Take 5
Portland Cello Project Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

badum budam badm bu bu adm buadm
budma budma
budpaum buadup buadup
mvvmmv
mvm
mvmvmvv
mvmvmvvm
mvmvmmvv

vmvmvvvvv
vmvmvmmvvvvvv
vmvmv
hmmhmmmhmhm
hmmh'
hmhvvmm
vhmhvmvvhm
hvmmhvvmhv
hvmvvhmvvhvmvv
vhvmmvvvhvmv
vvmvvhvmmvhhvmm
vmhhvhvmv
(badumppagudbapaboop)

vwum vwum vwum vwum vcum
vcuuummmm vwuuummmm vwum vwum

Overall Meaning

The song "Take 5" by Portland Cello Project is a unique rendition of the classic jazz standard composed by Paul Desmond and originally performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The lyrics of this adaptation are non-existent, consisting solely of syllables and sounds made by the cello and percussion instruments. This creates a unique, abstract soundscape that fits well with the intricate, syncopated rhythms of the music. The cello takes on the main melody of the song, while the percussion fills in the spaces with soft, subtle beats, creating an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. As the song progresses, the cello becomes more and more expressive, drawing out the melody and adding layers of complexity to the arrangement.

Line by Line Meaning

badum budam badm bu bu adm buadm
This line is an instrumental and doesn't contain any lyrics.

budma budma
This line is also part of the instrumental and has no specific meaning.

budpaum buadup buadup
Another instrumental section with no specific meaning.

mvvmmv
This line is part of the instrumental section and is not meant to convey any lyrics or meaning.

mvm
Another instrumental section without specific meaning.

mvmvmvv
An instrumental section meant to convey the feeling of the music through a vocalization of sounds.

mvmvmvvm
Another vocalization of sound meant to add to the overall musical experience.

mvmvmmvv
Yet another vocalization of sound meant to convey the emotion of the music.

vmvmvvvvv
An additional vocalization of sound to give the impression of music and contribute to the overall composition.

vmvmvmmvvvvvv
A final vocalization of sound in the instrumental section meant to create a complete musical experience.

vmvmv
A section that adds to the feeling of the music in the composition.

hmmhmmmhmhm
A vocal section meant to convey the melody of the composition.

hmmh'
A brief vocalization that doesn't have any specific meaning.

hmhvvmm
Another section of vocalizations meant to add to the melody and feeling of the composition.

vhmhvmvvhm
A vocal section meant to accentuate the melody of the composition.

hvmmhvvmhv
Another section of vocals meant to add to the melody of the composition.

hvmvvhmvvhvmvv
A longer section of vocals meant to convey the melody of the composition.

vhvmmvvvhvmv
A vocal section meant to give a sense of continuation in the overall melody of the composition.

vvmvvhvmmvhhvmm
An extended vocal section meant to signify the end of the composition's melody.

vmhhvhvmv
Another vocal section meant to contribute to the overall musical experience of the composition.

(badumppagudbapaboop)
This line is an instrumental and doesn't contain any lyrics.

vwum vwum vwum vwum vcum
A final section of sound meant to add to the overall musical experience and signify the end of the composition.

vcuuummmm vwuuummmm vwum vwum
An additional instrumental section meant to give a sense of closure to the composition.

Writer(s): Iola Brubeck, Jacques Larue, Mack David, Rodrigo Sanchez, - Louiguy, Paul Desmond, Jacob Miller, Roger M. Lewis, Gabriela Quintero

Contributed by Hannah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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