http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_and_roll
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockabilly
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_rock
Essential Listening
That's All Right Mama Elvis Presley
Sunday 14 June 2009
Thursday 28 May 2009
Motown
Motown records was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy under it's original title, Tamla Records. This was significant at that time because Berry Gordy was the first African American to own a record label. Consequently Motown employed lots of African American’s. These musician ability to play was astounding and this is recognised by the fact that Motown’s recording were done in one take with a live band, this establishing Motown’s sound. This well produced music even went on to change the white’s conception of the African American music scene. Famous musician Stevie Wonder signed on to Motown records at the age of just 12, Stevie was a well talented pianist and musician and that still remains today. In America Stevie has achieved 9 number one hits and has sold worldwide over one hundred million albums. Despite the fact Stevie lacks sight he still has the musical ability to play other instruments such as the harmonica and the drums.
Also the famous artists the Jackson 5 were signed to Motown records, the biggest role in Motown’s sound was the Funk Brothers, this was a tight group of working musicians known for their ability to play to an exceptional standard. The Funk Brothers performed as the instrumentalists on most of the Motowns recordings. A few of the Funk Brothers were, Earl Van Dyke, Joe Messina, Benny Benjamin and James Jameson.
The Motown sound drew influence from the gospel music in America at the time.
Motown has went on to influence genres such as funk, soul and disco. This is apparent as the guitar riffs and structures are similar.
Also the famous artists the Jackson 5 were signed to Motown records, the biggest role in Motown’s sound was the Funk Brothers, this was a tight group of working musicians known for their ability to play to an exceptional standard. The Funk Brothers performed as the instrumentalists on most of the Motowns recordings. A few of the Funk Brothers were, Earl Van Dyke, Joe Messina, Benny Benjamin and James Jameson.
The Motown sound drew influence from the gospel music in America at the time.
Motown has went on to influence genres such as funk, soul and disco. This is apparent as the guitar riffs and structures are similar.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Funk
The sound of Funk consists of four on the floor bass drums, 16 hi hats, up stroked guitars and walking bass lines. Funk was heavenly influenced by blues and soul, which contributed to this sound. It originated in the 60’s but was most prominent in the 70’s with artists such as James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and Tower Of Power.
James Brown was the most influential musician in Funk, with his own style of the downbeat, adding emphasis to the first beat in each bar. Although funk was mainly in the 70’s James Browns first hit single was “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” released in 1965. His biggest political song was “Say It Loud (Black And Proud)” this was a track that black people could relate to.
James said “The song is obsolete now... But it was necessary to teach pride then, and I think the song did a lot of good for a lot of people... People called "Black and Proud" militant and angry - maybe because of the line about dying on your feet instead of living on your knees. But really, if you listen to it, it sounds like a children's song. That's why I had children in it, so children who heard it could grow up feeling pride... The song cost me a lot of my crossover audience. The racial makeup at my concerts was mostly black after that. I don't regret it, though, even if it was misunderstood.” (1)
This song was a main part in the civil rights movement, James Brown was a key factor in the revolution in black and white relations.
Funk has went on to influence modern Rhythm and Blues artists, Disco and even Punk.
References :
1. Brown, James, with Bruce Tucker. James Brown: The Godfather of Soul (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company,1986), 200.
James Brown was the most influential musician in Funk, with his own style of the downbeat, adding emphasis to the first beat in each bar. Although funk was mainly in the 70’s James Browns first hit single was “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” released in 1965. His biggest political song was “Say It Loud (Black And Proud)” this was a track that black people could relate to.
James said “The song is obsolete now... But it was necessary to teach pride then, and I think the song did a lot of good for a lot of people... People called "Black and Proud" militant and angry - maybe because of the line about dying on your feet instead of living on your knees. But really, if you listen to it, it sounds like a children's song. That's why I had children in it, so children who heard it could grow up feeling pride... The song cost me a lot of my crossover audience. The racial makeup at my concerts was mostly black after that. I don't regret it, though, even if it was misunderstood.” (1)
This song was a main part in the civil rights movement, James Brown was a key factor in the revolution in black and white relations.
Funk has went on to influence modern Rhythm and Blues artists, Disco and even Punk.
Some Famous FUnk Tracks :
References :
1. Brown, James, with Bruce Tucker. James Brown: The Godfather of Soul (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company,1986), 200.
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Two Tone/ SKA Revival
SKA came in three waves. The first wave was a fusion of rock steady and jamiacan reggae in the '50's. It had had the ubeat element of punk with the happy feel of reggae which went on the influence the second wave, whic came in the late 70's/80's and came from mostly london but also from birmingham and coventry and the 3rd wave of SKA revival was in the 1990's mostly located in america with artists such as Reel Big Fish.
The sound of SKA consist's of off beat guitars, upbeat rythm with lots of brass parts
The lyrical content of SKA was varied as bands such as The Specials had more political content whereas a band like Madness had more fun lyrics which people could relate to.
Fashion of SKA/Two Tone, was popularly Black and white suits, this came from the Rude Boys from Jamaica to make fun og the higher class society. Some people say it also represents racial unity which bands like the specials made a powerful staement at the time by having a multi-racial band.
Also the keyboardist from The Specials went on to create Two Tone records.
Important Albums/ Singles
The Specials - A Message To You Rudy
The sound of SKA consist's of off beat guitars, upbeat rythm with lots of brass parts
The lyrical content of SKA was varied as bands such as The Specials had more political content whereas a band like Madness had more fun lyrics which people could relate to.
Fashion of SKA/Two Tone, was popularly Black and white suits, this came from the Rude Boys from Jamaica to make fun og the higher class society. Some people say it also represents racial unity which bands like the specials made a powerful staement at the time by having a multi-racial band.
Also the keyboardist from The Specials went on to create Two Tone records.
Important Albums/ Singles
The Specials - A Message To You Rudy
The Specials -Too Much Too Young
The Beat - Stand Down Margarat
Madness - House Of Fun
Bad Manners - Lip Up Fatty
I reasearched my material from www.wikipedia.org
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