AOS3: Blues, folk

Question 1

Blues originated at the beginning of the 20th century, in the deep south of the USA, from the work songs of slaves working on plantations. It therefore shows the influence of African rhythms.

Give 5 general features of blues music.

Answer 1

• tonality: blues scale (pentatonic w/ added blue notes [flattened 3rds, 5ths, 7ths])
• strophic (verse-chorus) structure, or irregular
• 12-bar blues
• heavy use of primary chords
• improvisation
• swung rhythms
• portamento, especially in vocals
• falsetto + vibrato singing
• call and response texture
• syncopated rhythms
• scatting
• riffs/ostinatos

Question 2

Name the instruments typically used in folk music.

Answer 2

1) Uilleann pipes (sound like bagpipes)
2) Tabor/bodhran (folk drum)
3) Tin whistle
4) Fiddle
5) Double bass
6) Accordian
7) Acoustic guitar
8) Banjo
9) Mandolin

Question 3

What is a Jig?

Answer 3

A lively folk dance, in compound time, which has a distinct continuous triplet feel to the beat.

Question 4

What is a Reel?

Answer 4

A lively folk dance in 2 or 4, with constant quaver movement.

Question 5

Which is in compound time and which is in regular time: jigs, reels?

Answer 5

• jig = compound
• reel = regular
• good way to remember: “jig” has 3 letters = 3 beats, “reel” has 4 letters = 4 beats

Question 6

Give 5 features of folk music.

Answer 6

• Simple, memorable vocal melodies.
• Melodic movement is mostly triadic and scalic.
• Use of modes or pentatonic scales, sometimes flattened 7ths.
• Heavy use of primary chords (1, 4 and 5)
• Dance music (jigs and reels): more complex melodies, repeating phrases and rhythms, strong emphasis on the beat.