Swing music developed in the 1930's in America. It was a distinctive form of music. It's rhythm was provided by brass and woodwind instruments trumpet, trombone, saxophones and clarinets. The drums were the anchor for the rest of the instruments. The name swing was derived for the feel the music gave. a slow pulse to the music. The swing band usually featured a singer who would basically give his or her version of the music. The music and tempo would usually be set by the singer. One of the most prominent bands of the swing era was Benny Goodman. The band was very popular between 1935-1946 and had reached its peak in the 1940's. During WWII the swing band began to decline in popularity. Many of the musicians were now overseas fighting in the war. So it was very difficult to put together a "big band". Swing saw a comeback in the 1950's and 60's with singers such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Nat king Cole. Swing at one time blended with other genres to create new sub-genres. Country music artist such as Jimmy Rogers mix the elements of swing with blues to create western swing. In the late 1970's and 80's swing music was preformed at supper clubs it was a more sophisticated performance with more urban style. The fans were dressed to the hilt and in trendier fashions it was a place to dance to a live band. The Cotton Club in Harlem was one of the most popular places to hear and dance to swing music. It was a whites only club but it was the place where many black musicians got their start it operated during the prohibition era. Musicians such as Call Calloway and Duke Ellington played there. Singers such as Billy Holiday and Lena Horn were featured singers. It was the IN place for celebrities to meet and enjoy the music. Today, there is an orchestra known as the Bean town swing orchestra that is bringing back swing music. They preform the oldies as well as original music. they want to bring the music back, for future generations to enjoy. The band preforms concerts because they want to entertain and educate people with the history of the most sophisticated form of American music ever. Saturday, June 6, 2015
Swing
Swing music developed in the 1930's in America. It was a distinctive form of music. It's rhythm was provided by brass and woodwind instruments trumpet, trombone, saxophones and clarinets. The drums were the anchor for the rest of the instruments. The name swing was derived for the feel the music gave. a slow pulse to the music. The swing band usually featured a singer who would basically give his or her version of the music. The music and tempo would usually be set by the singer. One of the most prominent bands of the swing era was Benny Goodman. The band was very popular between 1935-1946 and had reached its peak in the 1940's. During WWII the swing band began to decline in popularity. Many of the musicians were now overseas fighting in the war. So it was very difficult to put together a "big band". Swing saw a comeback in the 1950's and 60's with singers such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Nat king Cole. Swing at one time blended with other genres to create new sub-genres. Country music artist such as Jimmy Rogers mix the elements of swing with blues to create western swing. In the late 1970's and 80's swing music was preformed at supper clubs it was a more sophisticated performance with more urban style. The fans were dressed to the hilt and in trendier fashions it was a place to dance to a live band. The Cotton Club in Harlem was one of the most popular places to hear and dance to swing music. It was a whites only club but it was the place where many black musicians got their start it operated during the prohibition era. Musicians such as Call Calloway and Duke Ellington played there. Singers such as Billy Holiday and Lena Horn were featured singers. It was the IN place for celebrities to meet and enjoy the music. Today, there is an orchestra known as the Bean town swing orchestra that is bringing back swing music. They preform the oldies as well as original music. they want to bring the music back, for future generations to enjoy. The band preforms concerts because they want to entertain and educate people with the history of the most sophisticated form of American music ever. Calypso
Calypso music originated in Trinidad in the 17th century. It came from people who came from Africa and used by them to relive their traditions. The carnival was brought to Trinidad by the French. The music genre grew. Calypso derived from the word "Kaiso" used to describe songs. There are some arguments as to the real roots of Calypso. A historian asserted that Calypso music resulted from the music of the medieval troubadours. The people of Trinidad argue that the birth date of Calypso was in Trinidad in the 1950's. Lord Kitchener was known as the "grand master" of Calypso. The music was developed for slaves to communicate and protest against the class system. It has become a source of history and tradition in their society. It helps them to reflect on their past and celebrate their cultural richness. The music has both cultural and social significance. Carnival takes place prior to lent every year and is one of the most elaborate celebration In the Caribbean. The festivities are bright in color and the costumes are very intricate and extraordinary this is when Calypso music fills the air. The residents are of many different races but all manage to unite during the carnival season. Calypso became worldwide when Harry Belafonte recorded "Banana boat song". It was also influenced by Jazz and the musicians improvised the words to adapt to the music. The rhythm of the music indicated what words were used. The tempo of the music is indicative to the mood of the singer it changes with the singers need for personal reflection and offering. Because of the reverence the people of Trinidad put on this music it is sure to survive. With the tradition of the Carnival the music genre has a strong hold in music history. The music will live on through the generations and will continue to reflect the many cultures of Trinidad. It will continue to spread as the people immigrate to other countries. Toronto has become a worldwide celebration of Calypso through the grand celebration of carnival. I personally think that Calypso music is quite amazing to listen to, The compositions that these artists come up with are great and I could listen to them all day. I wish Calypso music was more popular in Canada because it is thruly an amzing genre.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Country
Country music is believed to have originated in the Southern state: Atlanta and Georgia in the early 1900. It seems to have begun with folk. western music combination. It is a sub genre of gospel but with a country flair. It became very popular in the 1990's. The early country music was found mostly with the mountain music especially the Appalachian mountains. The musical instruments are mostly fiddles and many homemade instruments. The rural areas found the music mostly in the churches. Some of the well known singers of today had their beginnings in their local churches The movies produced the singing cowboys. The songs consisted of their daily adventures on the western frontier. Some songs lasted the test of time. The music produced many family groups. The Carter family was country's first famous vocal group. In later years there was the Oak Ridge Boys. The Statler Brothers and the Judds. Nashville turned out to be the heart of country music and turned country music into a multimillion dollar industry. It brought the music to a larger audience. The grand old opry became the center for established as well as new musicians. Many artists owe their success to Nashville. The term Rockabilly was born to country music in the 1950's. This is when Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash introduced their songs which to this day are still very popular although many of the music went back to their musical roots. I personally don't listen to country music a lot. But, I do respect how they came to be and I see how many people could enjoy the emotion that they put into all of their songs. Every artist has stories to tell, and I find that Country music stars have some of the best stories. whether they are sad, happy or just genuinely real. It's a great genre.
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