Workshop 101                                                                                   Dr. Brooks

African American Music Outline

July 9, 2004

 

 

Country Blues

Genesis and stereo types; Early “citings” W.C. Handy, “Ma” Rainey, “Bunk” Johnson; blue notes and other stylized vocalities; 12-bar metric structure; first wave of country blues practitioners. Characteristics, vocations of musicians, recordings; guitar styles (devices). Second wave of country blues.

 

Jazz Age

New Orleans the birthplace? Brass bands in late 19^th century; social significance. Cutting contest in New Orleans; names of bands from the area. John Robichaux and Buddy Bolden. Uptown and downtown bands – Creoles of Color; Spread of Jazz (the terminology); frontline/ rhythm section melodic function of one versus the other; race records labels; popularity of jazz among whites; Paul Whiteman “king of jazz?” Joseph King Oliver; other early practitioners;

 

Classic Blues

Early recordings of Classic Blues; TOBA; Vaudeville tradition, characteristics and practitioners; Southern Style characteristics and practitioners; Mamie Smith, Edith Wilson, Alberta Hunter; Madame Rainey, Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace.

 

Transitional Era to Swing 1926/7-35

Changes in jazz ensemble, changes in the musicians, location of major music centers, in instruments. James Fletcher Henderson and Donald Redman; stock arrangements and jazz specialties; sectionalization; collective performance styles sweet and hot and racial references; Major big bands Benny Goodman; William Count Basie; Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington; Jimmie Lunceford; Great Virtuoso practitioners between 1927 – 45;

 

Jazz Singers – Practitioners and styles.