AS03: Traditional Music

Question 1

This is a question about blues music of the 1920s-1950s.

Identify three features of DR SMITH from this musical genre.

Answer 1

• D-dynamics- N/A- varied
• R-rhythm- a syncopated and offbeat rhythm, with a relaxed swung rhythm
• S-structure- a strophic, 12 bar blues structure
• M- melody- a blues music melody, would have a clear and simple melody, that’s often three lines
• I-instrumentation- instrumentation can range from: harmonica, vocals, the washboard and trumpets [which could be muted]
• T-texture- melody and accompaniment texture [with a use of solos, duets or choruses]
• H-harmony- harmony would be based on primary chords, with added note chords

Question 2

What are the dynamics, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 2

• D-dynamics- N/A- varied

Question 3

What’s the rhythm, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 3

• R-rhythm- a syncopated and offbeat rhythm, with a relaxed swung rhythm
• there could also be a use of improvisatory freedom, in the rhythm

Question 4

What’s the structure, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 4

• S-structure- a strophic, 12 bar blues structure

Question 5

What’s the melody, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 5

• M-melody- a blues music melody would have: a clear and simple melody, that’s often three lines

Question 6

What can you tell me about the melody, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 6

• M-melody- a blues music melody, could also use: vocal slides, a use of blue notes
• ; a falling opening line that is largely stepwise, in the melody

Question 7

What’s the instrumentation, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 7

• I-instrumentation- instrumentation can range from: harmonica, vocals, the washboard and trumpets [which could be muted]m

Question 8

What is a walking bass line ?

Answer 8

• a walking bass line, is a common harmonic device, in which the bass will play notes of the chord and notes leading to the next chord

Question 9

What’s the texture, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 9

• T-texture- melody and accompaniment texture [with a use of solos, duets or choruses]

Question 10

What’s the harmony, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 10

• H-harmony- harmony would be based on primary chords, with added note chords
• ; the harmony could also be diatonic, with a use of 7ths [chord extensions]

Question 11

What else can you tell me about the harmony, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 11

• H-harmony- harmonies could be bases around chords I, IV and V

Question 12

What’s the tempo and metre, of blues music [1920s-1950s] ?

Answer 12

• tempo- a single slow tempo
• metre- and a 4/4 metre, with a steady constant beat

Question 13

This is a question about the fusion music of African and Caribbean music

Identify three features of DR SMITH from this musical genre.