9/19/2018

Blues Music Of Yesterday And Today

By Scott Gibson


When it comes to different musical genres, there are many which are well known and others which are overlooked when downloading or purchasing music. In the case of blues music, it is one of the latter. For, while there are numerous blues artists, those associated with modern day blues often prefer to play at festivals, jams and live shows.

The history of the genre is lesser known than many others. For, there is no detailed information as to the timeline related to the origin of the genre. Still, as the style evolved over time, most relate the style back to the African Continent.

The beginning of the genre included music with styles which closely resemble that of modern blues. As such, it is believed that the musical styles of today originated at the time the first songs came onto the music scene. For, it is strongly believed that the genre originated by black workers whom created and sang songs with technical themes and emotional lyrics based on real and fictional experiences.

Being an ever changing genre, the styles have evolved and changed over time. As musicians tend to add elements of individuality when playing solo or with a group, the change is one that is ongoing. As most participate in a number of open jam sessions, the instrumentals between the lyrics is often considered jamming or call and response created by those playing drums, guitars and keyboards.

The genre having been born out of the slave trade much like many hymnals is often considered the beginning of the genre. For, many of the songs were created by slave hands and have been handed down through generations. While some remained closer to an acoustic style, others evolved into modern day styles which now grace many dive bars and festivals around the world.

An Akonting, predecessor of the banjo is an instrument which dates back to a time long before the style became a well known genre. Since that time, the pedal and slide guitar are often front and foremost at a number of jams and performances. Whereas, the songs and vocals were incorporated from music once known as Field and Holler which laid a strong foundation for the genre. After which, a number of other styles such as folk and lyrical were blended in to create what is now known as modern day blues.

Whether due to style or history, the genre has now become so popular as to have a number of non-profit organizations supporting not only the genre but the musicians whom are a part of it as well. As a result, most of thee organizations provide contests and jams for players as well as lovers of the genre.

Most often, these societies are non-profit organizations which hold a number of events. The funds from these and other events often go to a number of different charities which provide musicians with everything from housing to health care and beyond. In many cases, there are contests in which a number of musicians compete before moving on to an annual or semi-annual award ceremony.




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