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Chapter 3 – American Blues Traditions. Songsters – poor traveling black folk musicians in the late 1800’s – early 1900’s Many black musicians in the South were day laborers; only a few played music full-time Some of the musicians were blind; music was the only way they could make a living
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Songsters – poor traveling black folk musicians in the late 1800’s – early 1900’s • Many black musicians in the South were day laborers; only a few played music full-time • Some of the musicians were blind; music was the only way they could make a living • In their travels searching for work, musicians encountered a variety of audiences and had to maintain a diverse repertoire • Sang songs that told stories about legendary heroes and villains, notable events and deeds • The words to the verses would change, but the words to the refrain would remain the same, reinforcing the central idea and theme of the song
12-Bar Blues • Although we currently align the form to twelve bars, early blues songsters held chords longer or shorter when it felt right with the mood of the song
Early Blues Mississippi Delta • Area of flatland that stretches from Memphis, Tennessee to Vicksburg, Mississippi • A number of blues styles developed in the South, but none were more pervasive than that of the Mississippi Delta
Mississippi Delta Blues • Charlie Patton – around 1881, near Jackson Mississippi • Learned guitar at the age of 14, performed music around the delta for 30 years • Made his first recording when he was around 40 years old • His vocal quality was rough, growling and intense
Mississippi Delta Blues • He often deliberately slurred his words, a practice that became an identifying trait of the Delta blues style • He also tended to let his voice blend into his guitar playing, sometimes not finishing the lyrics and letting the guitar finish it instead • Patton's guitar accompaniment was simple, but it created a danceable rhythm • Patton taught and inspired a number of blues singers, most notably Robert Johnson
Mississippi Delta Blues • Robert Johnson – 1911 Mississippi • Took to the road to make a living as a musician to avoid sharecropping • He was a small and handsome man; like many blues musicians he had a way with women • He spent the rest of his short life chasing after women and running away from their men
Mississippi Delta Blues • Characteristics of Mississippi Delta blues musicians • slurred vocals • vocals blended into guitar parts • stronger sense of rhythm
Blind Lemon Jefferson • Texas - 1893 • Style was close to field holler • Higher pitched singing • Lacked steady rhythm
Blind Willie McTell • Atlanta - 1898 • More pronunciation in vocals • Lighter vocal tone • More delicate guitar playing
