Records in March of 1952. It was released under the Specialty label in April and was number one on the Billboard rhythm and blues chart for seven weeks and stayed on the chart for six months. An 8-bar blues with a rolicking piano backup, with the words written by Price, but the melody adapted from the older Junker Blues (Champion Jack Dupree, 1941), it became the biggest rhythm and blues hit of the year and sold over one million copies by crossing over to the white record-buying market. It …
Archive for the ‘Music’ Category
Lloyd Price “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”
Saturday, July 31st, 2010How to Play Blues Guitar Instantly
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Playing guitar can be an ordinary feat to most people. Any person, with the right ear for music, can learn any instrument in a matter of hours. Unbelievable, huh?
On the other hand, learning how to play blues guitar is almost a form of dexterity that not everyone can master. Blues music has been the foundation of many other genres of music such as Jazz, R&B and even Rock and Roll. The style of music is so captivating that it almost sounds complicated as well.
Here are a few facts in order for you to learn how to play blues guitar:
The Technique
The technique in order to play blues guitar comes from the skill in picking.
Although essentially, the scales make the music when playing the instrument, it is imperative to construct the picking technique before scales can be played. The guitar can then be played as a Rhythm Blues Guitar or a Lead Blues Guitar. There has to be suppleness in the fingers of the player in order to get the rhythm right.
Knowing the Difference
For the Rhythm Blues Guitar, the chord progression is founded on the twelve bar blues structure. When you play blues guitar, more often than not, the interval cords that are in progression are the I, IV and V, but other cords may also be played so long as the tonality is present in the rhythm.
The Lead Blues Guitar, conversely, is more popular in terms of the measure of its expressiveness. It primarily focuses on the technical skills of vibrato and bending. The pick’s basic motion is up and down, alternating in every turn.
In an example by James Ham, if there is a basic riff with the notes A,C,D,A,E one after another, the A would be played with a downward picking motion while the C would be played directly after the A with an upward motion. This is playing two notes in one motion.
You can also try playing a 12-bar chord progression in different keys, in the same way as when you play a rhythm blues guitar in pentatonic scale. Try practicing this rhythm pattern continuously until you get the hang of the beat.
Getting Props
There are also several audio samples of blues records available online. Most of which can be downloaded for free. These samples may be played in both slow and full speed, helping you learn to pace your rhythm during mastering your picking technique.
Although agility is integral when you play blues guitar, you must also concentrate on the accuracy of each note that you play and focus on your scales. Fluid rhythm and chord progression are fundamental in making blues music. You can also get a book that offers superb guitar licks that can help you practice.
Expression
As you play blues guitar, or any instrument at that, it is always important to practice. It is in practicing that we master our art and our passion. You can also sing along as you strum the guitar, after all, the blues music is all about expression.
By: Richard Kite
On the other hand, learning how to play blues guitar is almost a form of dexterity that not everyone can master. Blues music has been the foundation of many other genres of music such as Jazz, R&B and even Rock and Roll. The style of music is so captivating that it almost sounds complicated as well.
Here are a few facts in order for you to learn how to play blues guitar:
The Technique
The technique in order to play blues guitar comes from the skill in picking.
Although essentially, the scales make the music when playing the instrument, it is imperative to construct the picking technique before scales can be played. The guitar can then be played as a Rhythm Blues Guitar or a Lead Blues Guitar. There has to be suppleness in the fingers of the player in order to get the rhythm right.
Knowing the Difference
For the Rhythm Blues Guitar, the chord progression is founded on the twelve bar blues structure. When you play blues guitar, more often than not, the interval cords that are in progression are the I, IV and V, but other cords may also be played so long as the tonality is present in the rhythm.
The Lead Blues Guitar, conversely, is more popular in terms of the measure of its expressiveness. It primarily focuses on the technical skills of vibrato and bending. The pick’s basic motion is up and down, alternating in every turn.
In an example by James Ham, if there is a basic riff with the notes A,C,D,A,E one after another, the A would be played with a downward picking motion while the C would be played directly after the A with an upward motion. This is playing two notes in one motion.
You can also try playing a 12-bar chord progression in different keys, in the same way as when you play a rhythm blues guitar in pentatonic scale. Try practicing this rhythm pattern continuously until you get the hang of the beat.
Getting Props
There are also several audio samples of blues records available online. Most of which can be downloaded for free. These samples may be played in both slow and full speed, helping you learn to pace your rhythm during mastering your picking technique.
Although agility is integral when you play blues guitar, you must also concentrate on the accuracy of each note that you play and focus on your scales. Fluid rhythm and chord progression are fundamental in making blues music. You can also get a book that offers superb guitar licks that can help you practice.
Expression
As you play blues guitar, or any instrument at that, it is always important to practice. It is in practicing that we master our art and our passion. You can also sing along as you strum the guitar, after all, the blues music is all about expression.
By: Richard Kite
Rory Gallagher Frankie Miller – Roll Over Beethoven (Music)
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
again today. You know, my temperature’s risin’ and the jukebox blows a fuse. My heart’s beatin’ rhythm and my soul keeps on singin’ the blues. Roll Over Beethoven and tell Tschaikowsky the news. I got the rockin’ pneumonia, I need a shot of rhythm and blues. I think I’m rollin’ arthiritis sittin’ down by the rhythm review. Roll Over Beethoven rockin’ in two by two. Well, if you feel you like it go get your lover, then reel and rock it. Roll it over and move on up just a trifle further and …
Playing the Blues on Guitar – Your Simple Guide to Learning the Blues
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Playing the blues on guitar is indeed one of the many amazing things you can do if you love guitar playing. The blues music has been around for centuries and although it is said to mean sadness and melancholy, you don’t have to be sad to play the blues on your guitar.
Playing the blues on guitar has also become popular as you might find the blues form useful in rhythm and blues, in jazz and rock in roll. If you are interested to learn, here is a simple guide to learn the blues guitar.
- Have the basics in playing the blues on guitar. First thing you may want to have is a guitar, of course. You can make use of your acoustic guitar or your electric guitar, but definitely not a classical one with the nylon strings – you may want to leave that to classical music. You may also need to read music through tablatures. If you are a total beginner with guitar playing, you may want to learn a few chords first before jumping into playing the blues on guitar.
- Get familiar with the tempo and rhythm of blues music. You may want to listen to blues musician to help you get use to the rhythm of the blues music. As soon as you get yourself familiar with it, you will easily get to play it on timing. Most blues are played on 4/4 timing which makes it a little easier to play and learn. You can listen to some Eric Clapton CD to help your familiarize the tempo, and of course, to get more motivation to play blues like a pro.
- Learn the blues scale. If you are enthusiastic in playing the blues on guitar, you may want to start with the basics – learning the scales. Most often, learning the blues guitar scales will also be useful to jazz or rock, so it would be advantageous to start with the blues and learn other styles as well, if you get to master the blues basics. You can start mastering three chords which you can use in almost every blues song – the chords I, IV and V or the keys A, D and E in the key of A. Many blues songs have these three chords, so mastering them would make it easier for you to learn a blues song.
- Learn some blues licks. Blues licks are sets of notes that express a certain feeling when played together. You can watch and listen to some musicians on how they do their licks and you can make your own. To learn more about playing licks and mastering that blues sound, you can find great resources to help you. You can find tutorials on CDs and DVDs to help you listen to what you need to learn. They can be good tools in learning at home as you can practically review or rewind them over and over if you don’t get it the first time. Getting a tutor is also another option but you have to prepare to spend a few dollars as this can be a little expensive.
Practice always. Constant practice is always a key to being a good musician. If you have mastered playing the blues on guitar, you can even learn to play other genres more easily as well.
By: Carolyn Anderson
Playing the blues on guitar has also become popular as you might find the blues form useful in rhythm and blues, in jazz and rock in roll. If you are interested to learn, here is a simple guide to learn the blues guitar.
- Have the basics in playing the blues on guitar. First thing you may want to have is a guitar, of course. You can make use of your acoustic guitar or your electric guitar, but definitely not a classical one with the nylon strings – you may want to leave that to classical music. You may also need to read music through tablatures. If you are a total beginner with guitar playing, you may want to learn a few chords first before jumping into playing the blues on guitar.
- Get familiar with the tempo and rhythm of blues music. You may want to listen to blues musician to help you get use to the rhythm of the blues music. As soon as you get yourself familiar with it, you will easily get to play it on timing. Most blues are played on 4/4 timing which makes it a little easier to play and learn. You can listen to some Eric Clapton CD to help your familiarize the tempo, and of course, to get more motivation to play blues like a pro.
- Learn the blues scale. If you are enthusiastic in playing the blues on guitar, you may want to start with the basics – learning the scales. Most often, learning the blues guitar scales will also be useful to jazz or rock, so it would be advantageous to start with the blues and learn other styles as well, if you get to master the blues basics. You can start mastering three chords which you can use in almost every blues song – the chords I, IV and V or the keys A, D and E in the key of A. Many blues songs have these three chords, so mastering them would make it easier for you to learn a blues song.
- Learn some blues licks. Blues licks are sets of notes that express a certain feeling when played together. You can watch and listen to some musicians on how they do their licks and you can make your own. To learn more about playing licks and mastering that blues sound, you can find great resources to help you. You can find tutorials on CDs and DVDs to help you listen to what you need to learn. They can be good tools in learning at home as you can practically review or rewind them over and over if you don’t get it the first time. Getting a tutor is also another option but you have to prepare to spend a few dollars as this can be a little expensive.
Practice always. Constant practice is always a key to being a good musician. If you have mastered playing the blues on guitar, you can even learn to play other genres more easily as well.
By: Carolyn Anderson
Clifton Chenier (1925-1987) Louisiana Shuffle/Do the Zydeco
Monday, July 19th, 2010
Clifton Chenier (1925-87), King of Zydeco. Clifton Chenier virtually invented Zydeco in the 1940s and 50s by combining Cajun and Creole musical traditions with blues, rock, and New Orleans rhythm-and-blues. This was recorded live at the Berkeley Blues Festival in 1966 His son CJ Chenier is carrying on the family tradition and it would be wrong, not to throw in a plug for him here. Check him out: www.myspace.com Clifton, much respect… thank you for your years bringing music and joy. Snaps …
Pop Music
Monday, July 12th, 2010
Pop music is a genre of popular music distinguished from classical or art music and from folk music . The term indicates specific stylistic traits, but the genre also includes artists working in many styles such as rock, hip hop, rhythm and blues (R&B), and country, making it a flexible category. The expression “pop music” may also be used to refer to particular subgenres (within the pop music genre) that are in some cases referred to as soft rock and pop/rock.
Characteristics as a subgenre
Pop “is designed to appeal to everyone” and “doesn’t come from any particular place or mark off any particular taste.” In musical terms, it is essentially “conservative” in that it attempts to resonate with a large segment of its target demographic rather than pushing artistic boundaries. It is “provided from on high (by record companies, radio programmers and concert promoters) rather than being made from below…” (Frith 2001, p.95-96). But over time, pop has gone from “popular in general” to “a genre” described as sounding musically similar to rap, but with singing. This is due to radio stations labeling themselves as “pop stations” taking heavy preference over certain sounds, tossing other popular bands who don’t fit into the sound or other categories like rock into the “alternative” label.
Often used to describe the current popular genres of music of any given time, the term “pop” cannot be used describe any one particular style.
History of pop music
1930s and 1940s
Styles influencing the later development of pop include the Blues (Chicago), and Country (Tennessee)
1950s
Early Pop music artists include Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and Peggy Lee, but other artists like Bill Haley and his Comets, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley become popular with the younger generation.
1960s
The decade starts out with such Teen Idols such as, Johnny Tillotson, Bobby Vee, Brian Hyland, Tommy Roe, Gene Pitney, and Frankie Avalon. It explodes midway with Carole King, Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach, Aretha Franklin, Isley Brothers, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, and Simon and Garfunkel. It can be said that The Beatles led the British Invasion in this decade.
1970s
A proliferation of new sounds from the disco of the BeeGees, the piano sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John, the country of the Eagles, the rock-influenced pop of artists like Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, and Fleetwood Mac. ABBA was a swedish band who grew to fame after winning Eurovision Song Contest and starting a whole new revolution of pop music.
1980s
Notable highlights for pop music in the 1980s are Michael Jackson’s second Epic label release, Thriller, which went on to become the best-selling album of all time, and Madonna albums “Like a Virgin”, “True Blue”, “Like a Prayer” . Michael Jackson was sometimes referred to as “The King of Pop” and Madonna was named “The Queen of Pop”. Other artists included Michael Bolton, Prince, Janet Jackson, Duran Duran, The Police, ABBA, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue and Culture Club.
1990s and 21st century
The 1990s and 21st century were marked by a resurgence of boy band and girl group trends. From the UK came the likes of Take That, Blue, the Spice Girls, a highly successful formula. Irish boy bands of the time include Boyzone and Westlife. The US had New Edition, New Kids On The Block followed by the Backstreet Boys, Hanson, girl trio Destiny’s Child and then ‘N Sync and Pop Princesses Willa Ford, Mandy Moore, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera. Canadian Avril Lavigne became popular with her album Let Go. Australia had Boys from Oz. 1999 saw the rise of the Latin explosion with Ricky Martin at the forefront with his worldwide smash hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca”. Other latin artists to follow were Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and Marc Anthony. In 2002, Justin Timberlake had critical and commercial acclaim with his “Justified” album, emerging as the new “Prince of Pop”, Jesse McCartney has emerged from Dream Street as a high-rating singer with songs like She’s No You, Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff has become popular in the 2000s. Artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and Madonna have also been highly successful. Reality television shows, such as American Idol, begin producing multi-platinum artists like Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. British pop rock groups such as McFly emerge.
Sound and themes
Pop music, in whatever musical influence form it derives from, may be produced by a more basic songwriting approach and arrangement. The emphasis is often on a simpler melody, which makes the songs more memorable, and may use stripped-down rhythms. The combination of the melody and the rhythm allows for harmony to be a driving force of the song. Themes range from personal songs to vivacious party jams. However, the most common theme deals with the wide range of emotions which stem from physical or emotional love.
Music videos and live performances are often used for exposure in the media, and artists may have extravagant stage shows and use choreographed dancing. Many pop tunes are used in both Dance clubs and Sport clubs.
By: Clarence Harrell
Characteristics as a subgenre
Pop “is designed to appeal to everyone” and “doesn’t come from any particular place or mark off any particular taste.” In musical terms, it is essentially “conservative” in that it attempts to resonate with a large segment of its target demographic rather than pushing artistic boundaries. It is “provided from on high (by record companies, radio programmers and concert promoters) rather than being made from below…” (Frith 2001, p.95-96). But over time, pop has gone from “popular in general” to “a genre” described as sounding musically similar to rap, but with singing. This is due to radio stations labeling themselves as “pop stations” taking heavy preference over certain sounds, tossing other popular bands who don’t fit into the sound or other categories like rock into the “alternative” label.
Often used to describe the current popular genres of music of any given time, the term “pop” cannot be used describe any one particular style.
History of pop music
1930s and 1940s
Styles influencing the later development of pop include the Blues (Chicago), and Country (Tennessee)
1950s
Early Pop music artists include Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and Peggy Lee, but other artists like Bill Haley and his Comets, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley become popular with the younger generation.
1960s
The decade starts out with such Teen Idols such as, Johnny Tillotson, Bobby Vee, Brian Hyland, Tommy Roe, Gene Pitney, and Frankie Avalon. It explodes midway with Carole King, Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach, Aretha Franklin, Isley Brothers, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, and Simon and Garfunkel. It can be said that The Beatles led the British Invasion in this decade.
1970s
A proliferation of new sounds from the disco of the BeeGees, the piano sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John, the country of the Eagles, the rock-influenced pop of artists like Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, and Fleetwood Mac. ABBA was a swedish band who grew to fame after winning Eurovision Song Contest and starting a whole new revolution of pop music.
1980s
Notable highlights for pop music in the 1980s are Michael Jackson’s second Epic label release, Thriller, which went on to become the best-selling album of all time, and Madonna albums “Like a Virgin”, “True Blue”, “Like a Prayer” . Michael Jackson was sometimes referred to as “The King of Pop” and Madonna was named “The Queen of Pop”. Other artists included Michael Bolton, Prince, Janet Jackson, Duran Duran, The Police, ABBA, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue and Culture Club.
1990s and 21st century
The 1990s and 21st century were marked by a resurgence of boy band and girl group trends. From the UK came the likes of Take That, Blue, the Spice Girls, a highly successful formula. Irish boy bands of the time include Boyzone and Westlife. The US had New Edition, New Kids On The Block followed by the Backstreet Boys, Hanson, girl trio Destiny’s Child and then ‘N Sync and Pop Princesses Willa Ford, Mandy Moore, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera. Canadian Avril Lavigne became popular with her album Let Go. Australia had Boys from Oz. 1999 saw the rise of the Latin explosion with Ricky Martin at the forefront with his worldwide smash hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca”. Other latin artists to follow were Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and Marc Anthony. In 2002, Justin Timberlake had critical and commercial acclaim with his “Justified” album, emerging as the new “Prince of Pop”, Jesse McCartney has emerged from Dream Street as a high-rating singer with songs like She’s No You, Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff has become popular in the 2000s. Artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and Madonna have also been highly successful. Reality television shows, such as American Idol, begin producing multi-platinum artists like Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. British pop rock groups such as McFly emerge.
Sound and themes
Pop music, in whatever musical influence form it derives from, may be produced by a more basic songwriting approach and arrangement. The emphasis is often on a simpler melody, which makes the songs more memorable, and may use stripped-down rhythms. The combination of the melody and the rhythm allows for harmony to be a driving force of the song. Themes range from personal songs to vivacious party jams. However, the most common theme deals with the wide range of emotions which stem from physical or emotional love.
Music videos and live performances are often used for exposure in the media, and artists may have extravagant stage shows and use choreographed dancing. Many pop tunes are used in both Dance clubs and Sport clubs.
By: Clarence Harrell
10 Piano Styles You Can Learn to Play
Saturday, July 10th, 2010
When studying the piano, a student encounters a myriad piano styles. To master the instrument, at least several of these styles must be learned, and all if at all possible. Knowledge of various playing styles enables a pianist to enjoy and play in any genre and to cross-polinate styles to create a fusion he or she can call their own.
Many modern piano styles are based on the blues. The blues involve an emphasis on the major and minor pentatonic scales, with an additional note included. The flatted fifth is added to the minor pentatonic to create the blues scale. Many blues songs are based on a simple chord progression, known as 12-bar blues. This uses the I, IV and V chords of a scale to create a foundation for melodies and solos.
For example, rock piano was born out of the blues and then took on a life of it’s own in the stylings of Jerry Lee Lewis, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Billy Joel, and many others.
Cocktail piano is a style generally connected with Liberace, Eddy Duchin, Roger Williams, and others who play popular tunes with lots of great technique — lots of notes, runs, flourishes, and so on. But I hate to categorize and of these great pianists, as many of them play in other styles as well.
Boogie-woogie is a piano style based on the blues. It started as a solo piano style, but has expanded into other genres, such as county-western and gospel. It differs from the blues in that it is considered dance music, while blues music traditionally expresses sadness and frustration.
Rhythm and blues piano is based on blues, jazz, and gospel styles. As the name suggests, the emphasis is on the rhythm of the song. Most R&B has a particular swing to it, with a strong feel of syncopation in the rhythm. Syncopation involves placing the stress on a normally unstressed beat. This often results in an almost off-time feel to the untrained ear.
Ragtime piano also incorporates syncopation. Ragtime uses syncopation in its melodies by placing melodic notes between the stressed beats of the rhythm. Ragtime is often considered the first completely American genre, even predating jazz.
Jazz piano encompasses such a broad palate of styles that it is impossible to describe. Many piano styles incorporate ideas borrowed from jazz, such as improvisation. An emphasis on extended chord forms and chord re-harmonization also stems from jazz piano.
New age piano often involves less chord changes than other styles, instead relying on simpler progressions and polychords. It often imitates the sound of nature -babling brooks, wind, rain, and so on. A polychord occurs when two different chords are played at once. This technique is taken from earlier classical works by composers such as Stravinsky.
Gospel piano is often similar to the blues, jazz and R&B. It emphasizes certain extended chords, such as the 11th, and usually has the swinging feel associated with jazz and R&B. The apparent simplicity of gospel songs often hides the fact that they are, indeed, quite musically complex. Syncopation is highly stressed in gospel music, as it contributes to the overall spiritual feel of the music.
Country and western piano has similar roots as blues piano. Both styles stem from earlier folk styles, often developed by the less fortunate people of the era. Many early country songs stem from Appalachian folk songs. Country and western piano is highlighted by very bright playing, with simple chord progressions underneath the melody. One of the greats in this styles is Floyd Cramer.
Traditional sacred piano styles involve the playing of liturgical songs and hymns. These can range from the harmonically and rhythmically complex to simple two and three chord songs. Many hymns stem from folk songs of centuries past. The variety of sacred piano styles is as numerous as the liturgical songs themselves. These piano styles often involve a strict reading of notation, with less of an emphasis on personal interpretation than other styles.
The classical piano style is probably the most varied of all the styles. Classical music is older than other styles, and is considered to the proper grounds for musical instruction. Many elements of other piano styles come from classical music, and nearly all forms of musical theory are used in classical music. Andre Previn is the classic example of a well-trained classical pianist crossing over into the world of jazz, and with great success. Classical music usually requires intense training to master, though there many simpler pieces designed with the novice player in mind.
Though classical is often considered the high point of music, this “ain’t necessarily so.” For instance, many players who are “classically trained” have trouble adapting to the feel and sincerity of the blues. For this reason, a well-rounded player should be adaptable and learn as much about each of these piano styles as possible. In this way, a pianist is ready for any musical challenge. And besides, who knows where the future of music lies?
By: Duane Shinn
Many modern piano styles are based on the blues. The blues involve an emphasis on the major and minor pentatonic scales, with an additional note included. The flatted fifth is added to the minor pentatonic to create the blues scale. Many blues songs are based on a simple chord progression, known as 12-bar blues. This uses the I, IV and V chords of a scale to create a foundation for melodies and solos.
For example, rock piano was born out of the blues and then took on a life of it’s own in the stylings of Jerry Lee Lewis, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Billy Joel, and many others.
Cocktail piano is a style generally connected with Liberace, Eddy Duchin, Roger Williams, and others who play popular tunes with lots of great technique — lots of notes, runs, flourishes, and so on. But I hate to categorize and of these great pianists, as many of them play in other styles as well.
Boogie-woogie is a piano style based on the blues. It started as a solo piano style, but has expanded into other genres, such as county-western and gospel. It differs from the blues in that it is considered dance music, while blues music traditionally expresses sadness and frustration.
Rhythm and blues piano is based on blues, jazz, and gospel styles. As the name suggests, the emphasis is on the rhythm of the song. Most R&B has a particular swing to it, with a strong feel of syncopation in the rhythm. Syncopation involves placing the stress on a normally unstressed beat. This often results in an almost off-time feel to the untrained ear.
Ragtime piano also incorporates syncopation. Ragtime uses syncopation in its melodies by placing melodic notes between the stressed beats of the rhythm. Ragtime is often considered the first completely American genre, even predating jazz.
Jazz piano encompasses such a broad palate of styles that it is impossible to describe. Many piano styles incorporate ideas borrowed from jazz, such as improvisation. An emphasis on extended chord forms and chord re-harmonization also stems from jazz piano.
New age piano often involves less chord changes than other styles, instead relying on simpler progressions and polychords. It often imitates the sound of nature -babling brooks, wind, rain, and so on. A polychord occurs when two different chords are played at once. This technique is taken from earlier classical works by composers such as Stravinsky.
Gospel piano is often similar to the blues, jazz and R&B. It emphasizes certain extended chords, such as the 11th, and usually has the swinging feel associated with jazz and R&B. The apparent simplicity of gospel songs often hides the fact that they are, indeed, quite musically complex. Syncopation is highly stressed in gospel music, as it contributes to the overall spiritual feel of the music.
Country and western piano has similar roots as blues piano. Both styles stem from earlier folk styles, often developed by the less fortunate people of the era. Many early country songs stem from Appalachian folk songs. Country and western piano is highlighted by very bright playing, with simple chord progressions underneath the melody. One of the greats in this styles is Floyd Cramer.
Traditional sacred piano styles involve the playing of liturgical songs and hymns. These can range from the harmonically and rhythmically complex to simple two and three chord songs. Many hymns stem from folk songs of centuries past. The variety of sacred piano styles is as numerous as the liturgical songs themselves. These piano styles often involve a strict reading of notation, with less of an emphasis on personal interpretation than other styles.
The classical piano style is probably the most varied of all the styles. Classical music is older than other styles, and is considered to the proper grounds for musical instruction. Many elements of other piano styles come from classical music, and nearly all forms of musical theory are used in classical music. Andre Previn is the classic example of a well-trained classical pianist crossing over into the world of jazz, and with great success. Classical music usually requires intense training to master, though there many simpler pieces designed with the novice player in mind.
Though classical is often considered the high point of music, this “ain’t necessarily so.” For instance, many players who are “classically trained” have trouble adapting to the feel and sincerity of the blues. For this reason, a well-rounded player should be adaptable and learn as much about each of these piano styles as possible. In this way, a pianist is ready for any musical challenge. And besides, who knows where the future of music lies?
By: Duane Shinn
Billy Joel – New York State of Mind
Friday, July 9th, 2010
In their fancy cars and their limousines Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens But I know what I’m needing And I don’t want to waste more time I’m in a New York state of mind It was so easy living day by day Out of touch with the rhythm and blues But now I need a little give and take The New York Times, The Daily News It comes down to reality And it’s fine with me ’cause I’ve let it slide Don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside I don’t have any reasons I’ve left them all behind …
Bill Harris “I am the Blues”
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
a classical guitar virtuoso and consumate blues musician based in Washington DC In the 1950s, he was a member of the legendary vocal group THE CLOVERS, who had a string of RB hits throughout that decade. He also had a prolific solo career and released several albums. Harris owned and operated Pigfoot, a restaurant-nightclub-art gallery in Washington DC, which is featured in the video. Narrated by Joe Pinkney. … Bill Harris rhythm and blues classical guitar Clovers RB Washington DC Maury …
Some Words on Soul Music
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Soul is still a very popular music genre which grew out of fifties rhythm and blues. There were two very defined record labels which dominated this era, Stax and Tamala Motown.
The record label Stax started life in Memphis in 1959, founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. Around the same time Berry Gordy was creating the two record labels, Tamla and Motown in Detroit. Stax and Tamla Motown became the biggest of rivals for record sales throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. Their music idiom was the same, with a focus on the Black music form soul, but marketing and style differed significantly.
Motown took the music market by storm at a time when white audiences were ignoring many black music forms. Their success was attributed to their light soul style with their image being aimed at the middle class market. Producing hits such as ‘Stop! In the name of love’ by the Supremes, released in 1965, and ‘Heard it through the grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye, released in 1968. Artists such as the Supremes, the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye developed a clean-cut image, appearing on record sleeves and in concerts wearing formal clothes such as tuxedos and evening dresses.
Stax records concentrated more on the original form of Black American Southern soul. For Stax records the original music form was more important than image and marketing. Artists and songs included ‘In the midnight hour’ by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965, and ‘Sittin’ on the dock of the bay’ by Otis Redding, released in 1968.
Soul music has stayed one of the most popular music styles right through into the 21st century mainly due to the very reason in the title, the music gets into your ’soul’. A good choice for both young and old!
By: Charlotte Jones
The record label Stax started life in Memphis in 1959, founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. Around the same time Berry Gordy was creating the two record labels, Tamla and Motown in Detroit. Stax and Tamla Motown became the biggest of rivals for record sales throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. Their music idiom was the same, with a focus on the Black music form soul, but marketing and style differed significantly.
Motown took the music market by storm at a time when white audiences were ignoring many black music forms. Their success was attributed to their light soul style with their image being aimed at the middle class market. Producing hits such as ‘Stop! In the name of love’ by the Supremes, released in 1965, and ‘Heard it through the grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye, released in 1968. Artists such as the Supremes, the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye developed a clean-cut image, appearing on record sleeves and in concerts wearing formal clothes such as tuxedos and evening dresses.
Stax records concentrated more on the original form of Black American Southern soul. For Stax records the original music form was more important than image and marketing. Artists and songs included ‘In the midnight hour’ by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965, and ‘Sittin’ on the dock of the bay’ by Otis Redding, released in 1968.
Soul music has stayed one of the most popular music styles right through into the 21st century mainly due to the very reason in the title, the music gets into your ’soul’. A good choice for both young and old!
By: Charlotte Jones