Blues and jazz-overveiw
blues and jazz music was created by the African Americans in the 20th century, originated in the south. blues incorporated of spiritual work songs field hollers chants, shouts and narrative ballads. blues is closely related to jazz.
structure
in the blues form blues rhythm and rock and roll is characterized by the call and response pattern., the blues scale and specific cord progression, of witch the twelve-bar blues is the most common.
the blues and jazz have much in common, from their origin of African Americans in the 20th century, who combined African musical concepts with European music concepts. making these both unique, mid tempo blues uses a shuffle beat while jazz uses a swing beat.
although many influences have existed and continued to influence the development of jazz music, blues is the basic of jazz and later so is rock and roll. blues was the first music to emphasize improvisation, and its unique tonal coloration became an integral part of the jazz vocabulary.
Blues
This is the typical blues scale, in c minor, The notes of the C Minor Blues Scale are:
C, Eb, F ,Gb, G, Bb.
blues music was originated by the African Americans in the 20th century around the deep south of the united stares in 1860.
how would you describe blues music?
the blues had a distinct melodic and somber tone, which is achieved through vocal techniques such as Melisma, rhythmic techniques such as syncopation, and instrumental techniques such as 'Chocking' Guitar strings on the neck or Appling a metal slide on guitar strings to create a almost like 'whining' voice like sound.
Why is Blues called blues?
in the 19th centers the English phrases blue devil referred to the upsetting hallucinations brought on by several alcohol withdraw. this was later on reduced to blues witch describes states of depression and upset, and it was later adopted as the name for the melancholic songs that the musical genre encapsulates.
How to identify blues?
the main features of blues include:
specific chord progressions, a walking baseline, call and response, dissonant harmonies, syncopations, melisma and flattened 'blue' notes. A walking baseline is simply a melodic bass line found in mainly jaz and blues styles which you 'Walk" around in quarter notes connecting the chords. we can create a walking base line by using the following 12-bar chord progression seen below:
Blues structure
The lyrics of a 12-bar blues song often follow what's known as an AAB pattern. "A" refers to the first and second four-bar verse, and "B" is the third four-bar verse. In a 12-bar blues, the first and second lines are repeated, and the third line is a response to them—often with a twist.
blues musicians:
Some of the most famous blues musicians in history have not only just completed, developed and refined a style loved by many around the world, they also are responsible for the evolution of other genres such a Jazz, soul and R&B and many more.
This is Illionis Jacquet who created the song "flying home"
Rising to fame for his solo on Lionel Hampton’s “Flying Home”, which is widely regarded as the first R&B saxophone solo, Illinois Jacquet was a pioneer of the “honking” tenor that became a primary feature of jazz, blues and early rock and roll.
Although known for this honking sound, he also possessed great melodic and improvisational skills.
Also known as a jazz musician, he has had great influence on other famous blues saxophonists, and is not without skill in the blues, as his performances of “I Surrender Dear”, or “The Blues Live From Chicago Opera House” pay testament to.
It was first recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet on November 6, 1939, featuring solos by Hampton and Charlie Christian.
What is the Melody of blues?
the melody of blues usually incorporate elements such as bent notes, slides and Vibrato, giving them almost like a haunting and emotional quality, the melodic lines in blues music allow for improvisation, giving musician some freedom to add their personal style to the music.
What type of instruments are typically used in blue music?
The instruments used in blues music have evolved over time, with early blues musicians primarily utilizing acoustic instruments such as guitars, harmonicas, and pianos. As the genre developed, additional instruments, including clarinets, double basses, saxophones, and electric guitars, were incorporated into the blues sound.
Expression of Emotion
Blues is inherently emotional, often reflecting themes of struggle, longing, resilience, or joy. Its raw, heartfelt quality makes it ideal for evoking deep emotions in storytelling.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Blues is closely tied to African American history and culture, particularly the struggles and triumphs of the 20th century. It brings authenticity to stories set in periods or locations where these themes resonate.
Atmosphere and Tone
Blues creates a specific atmosphere—whether it's soulful and melancholic or gritty and earthy. It's often used to evoke rural settings, urban struggles, or reflective moments.
Character Identity
The Blues often accompanies characters with a rough, rebellious, or deeply introspective nature. It helps illustrate personal struggles or a connection to working-class or marginalized communities.
Universality and Timelessness
With simple structures but deep emotional complexity, Blues has a universal appeal, making it adaptable to different media and eras.
Evokes Nostalgia
Blues often takes listeners back to earlier eras or evokes a timeless feeling, enhancing period dramas or stories of personal reflection.
Fosters Empathy
Its "call and response" style and heartfelt lyrics can deepen an audience's connection to characters or narratives.
Adds Grit and Authenticity
In films or shows with themes of hardship or resilience, Blues provides an authentic sonic backdrop.
Enhances Solitude and Introspection
Solo Blues performances or guitar riffs often highlight moments of loneliness or self-discovery in storytelling.
The instruments used in this song is, Bari sax, Trumpets, guitar, piano, bass and drums.