🪇Intro to Musics of the World Unit 11 – North American Folk: Blues and Native Music

Historical Context

• North American folk music emerged from the diverse cultural traditions brought by immigrants and enslaved Africans to the continent
• Blues music originated in the Deep South during the late 19th century, rooted in the experiences of African Americans, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region
  • Influenced by work songs, field hollers, spirituals, and African musical traditions
  • Developed as a way for African Americans to express their struggles, hopes, and emotions during the era of slavery and racial oppression
• Native American music has ancient roots, with traditions varying among the numerous indigenous tribes across North America
  • Music played a central role in Native American spiritual practices, ceremonies, and social gatherings
  • Traditional music often incorporated elements of nature, such as animal sounds and rhythms inspired by the natural world
• The Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North in the early 20th century helped spread blues music to urban centers (Chicago, Detroit)
• The folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s sparked renewed interest in traditional North American folk music, including blues and Native American music

Key Characteristics of North American Folk Music

• Oral tradition played a crucial role in the transmission and preservation of folk music, with songs and techniques passed down through generations
• Improvisation is a common feature, particularly in blues music, where musicians often create unique variations on standard chord progressions and melodies
• Call-and-response patterns are prevalent, especially in African American folk music, with a soloist or lead singer alternating with a chorus or instrumental response
• Repetition and simple song structures are common, making the music accessible and easy to remember for both performers and listeners
• Lyrics often reflect the experiences, struggles, and emotions of the people, addressing themes such as love, loss, hardship, and social issues
• Acoustic instruments are widely used, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, and harmonica in folk and blues music, and drums, flutes, and rattles in Native American music
• Regional variations exist, with distinct styles and influences shaped by local cultures, landscapes, and historical events

Blues: Origins and Development

• Blues music emerged from the African American experience in the Deep South, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• The blues is characterized by a 12-bar chord progression, blue notes (flattened third, fifth, and seventh notes), and expressive vocal techniques (bends, slides, vibrato)
• Early blues musicians often performed as solo acts, accompanying themselves on acoustic guitar or harmonica
• The Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North in the early 20th century helped spread blues music to urban centers, where it evolved and incorporated elements of jazz and urban culture
  • Urban blues styles developed in cities like Chicago and Detroit, featuring electric guitars and full bands
• Key subgenres of the blues include Delta blues, Piedmont blues, and Chicago blues, each with distinct regional characteristics and influences
• The blues has been a significant influence on various genres, including rock and roll, jazz, and soul music

Native American Music: Traditions and Significance

• Native American music is deeply connected to the spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, and natural environment of indigenous tribes across North America
• Music plays a central role in Native American ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings, often used for healing, prayer, and storytelling
• Vocal music is prominent, with chants, songs, and storytelling passed down through oral tradition
  • Vocables, or non-lexical syllables, are often used in Native American singing, serving as a form of musical expression rather than conveying specific linguistic meaning
• Drumming is a fundamental aspect of many Native American musical traditions, with various types of drums used for different purposes (powwow drums, water drums, hand drums)
• Other traditional instruments include flutes, whistles, rattles, and percussion instruments made from natural materials (animal bones, shells, wood)
• Native American music often incorporates elements of nature, such as animal sounds, wind, and water, reflecting the deep connection between indigenous peoples and the environment
• Music is used to honor ancestors, celebrate life events, and express cultural identity and unity among Native American communities

Influential Artists and Performers

• Robert Johnson (1911-1938): Legendary Delta blues musician known for his emotive vocals, intricate guitar work, and influential recordings ("Cross Road Blues," "Sweet Home Chicago")
• Bessie Smith (1894-1937): Acclaimed blues singer, often referred to as the "Empress of the Blues," known for her powerful voice and influential recordings ("Downhearted Blues," "St. Louis Blues")
• Muddy Waters (1913-1983): Pioneering Chicago blues musician who helped popularize electric blues, known for his distinctive slide guitar technique and influential recordings ("Hoochie Coochie Man," "Got My Mojo Working")
• Howlin' Wolf (1910-1976): Influential Chicago blues singer and guitarist, known for his raw, powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence ("Smokestack Lightnin'," "Spoonful")
• B.B. King (1925-2015): Iconic blues guitarist and singer, known for his expressive vibrato, smooth vocal style, and influential recordings ("The Thrill Is Gone," "Sweet Little Angel")
• R. Carlos Nakai (b. 1946): Renowned Native American flutist of Navajo-Ute heritage, known for his innovative and contemporary approach to traditional Native American music
• Buffy Sainte-Marie (b. 1941): Influential Native American singer-songwriter and activist of Cree heritage, known for her powerful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and genre-blending music ("Universal Soldier," "Until It's Time for You to Go")

Instruments and Techniques

• Guitar: The primary instrument in blues music, used for both accompaniment and soloing
  • Acoustic guitar was the original choice, but electric guitar became prominent with the development of urban blues styles
  • Techniques include fingerpicking, strumming, slide guitar (using a metal or glass slide), and bending strings for expressive effect
• Harmonica: A portable and expressive instrument commonly used in blues music, often played in a rack around the neck to allow simultaneous guitar playing
  • Techniques include bending notes, vibrato, and using cupped hands to alter the sound
• Piano: Used in various blues styles, particularly in the urban blues and boogie-woogie subgenres
  • Left-hand bass patterns and right-hand improvisations are common techniques
• Drums and percussion: Used to provide rhythm and drive in blues bands and ensembles
• Native American flute: A traditional woodwind instrument, often made from cedar or other natural materials, known for its haunting and melodic sound
  • Techniques include breath control, fingering, and ornamentation (trills, grace notes)
• Native American drums: Various types of drums are used in Native American music, including powwow drums, water drums, and hand drums
  • Drumming techniques involve different stroke patterns, dynamics, and rhythmic variations
• Rattles and shakers: Percussion instruments made from natural materials (gourds, shells, animal hooves) used to provide rhythmic accompaniment in Native American music

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Blues music has been a significant influence on various genres, including rock and roll, jazz, soul, and R&B
  • Many rock and roll pioneers, such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, drew heavily from blues music in their own work
• The blues has served as a powerful means of expression for African Americans, giving voice to their experiences, struggles, and resilience in the face of oppression and discrimination
• Native American music has played a vital role in preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures, traditions, and identities
  • Powwows and other cultural events featuring traditional music and dance help maintain a sense of community and connection to ancestral heritage
• Native American music has influenced various genres, including folk, world music, and new age, with artists incorporating traditional instruments and melodies into contemporary compositions
• The global popularity of blues and Native American music has helped raise awareness and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of North America
• The legacy of North American folk music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, who draw from traditional styles while adding their own contemporary influences and interpretations

Modern Interpretations and Fusion

• Contemporary blues musicians continue to innovate and expand the genre, incorporating elements of rock, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music
  • Artists like Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, and Fantastic Negrito are pushing the boundaries of blues music while honoring its roots
• Native American musicians are creating new forms of expression by blending traditional music with contemporary genres like pop, rock, and electronic music
  • Artists like A Tribe Called Red, Pamyua, and Supaman are creating innovative fusion music that celebrates their indigenous heritage while appealing to modern audiences
• Collaborations between blues and Native American musicians have led to unique and powerful musical expressions, highlighting the shared experiences of marginalization and resilience
• The influence of North American folk music can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists across various genres, from indie folk to hip-hop
  • Artists like Rhiannon Giddens, Otis Taylor, and Leyla McCalla are drawing from the rich traditions of blues and folk music to create socially conscious and genre-defying work
• The growing interest in roots and traditional music has led to the emergence of new festivals, venues, and platforms dedicated to showcasing and preserving North American folk music
  • Events like the Chicago Blues Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Gathering of Nations Powwow celebrate the ongoing vitality and relevance of these musical traditions