The musical genre I chose to investigate was “Blues.” While so many other music genres have names based on some connection to sound or beat (Pop, rock ‘n’ roll) or originate from non-English words (Reggae), Blues is named after the tone and mood of the music often associated it with, and is color coded as such.

The origins of Blues lies in the south of the USA between 1870 and 1900. Linked to the freed African American slaves, it evolved from a country/folk style into its own type. According to Pierro Scaruffi, university lecturer and musical web-journalist, “The quintessence of the blues was pain, but the art of the blues often consisted in bridging the chasm between tragedy and (broadly speaking) comedy..” This beautifully sums up the emotions felt when listening to Blues, and also gives an insight into where the pain was coming from at the time of Blues’ conception.

The Blues endorsement website, Blues on the Meadow, argues that the origin of the naming for “Blues” comes from “a reference to the “the blue devils” – a term for depression, sadness or  just simply ‘down in dumps’. Earliest reference is 1798 one act farce by George Colman called Blue Devils.”

The first recorded Blues music comes from 1920, when African American singer Mamie Smith sand and recorded his rendition of the song “Crazy Blues” by Perry Bradford.

The notes of Blues are based on a twelve-bar, 4/4 long melody. In order to further differentiate  it from others, Blues included “two “flattened” notes, the “blue” notes.” (Pierro) This gives Blues a flat, mournful sounds if done right.

A very old style with a lot of its own unique twists, Blues is enjoyable for relaxation music, or to set a somber mood.

Thought of the day:

Music is Universal, just like Kindness and Peace.

Sources:

http://www.scaruffi.com/history/blues.html

http://www.bluesonthemeadow.com/BluesMusic.aspx

http://www.earlyblues.com/chronology_of_blues_on_record.htm