origins of the blues?

Subject: RE: origins of the blues?
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 03 Feb 99 - 02:55 AM

The origin of the Blues as a distinct genre goes back no further than 1890 (at the very earliest). The musical and lyrical elements that have come together in the blues are of diverse and indeterminate origins, but trace pathways that variously stretch across the US and back into Europe and Africa.

Probably, the best book on the subject is David Evans 'Big Road Blues', but also see Giles Oakley 'The Devil's Music' and Paul Oliver 'The Story of the Blues'

Brian

Subject: RE: origins of the blues?
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 03 Feb 99 - 01:50 AM

Thanks, Barry and Dave. I'm actually on line at home now. My monitor is still in the shop but I have my wife's hooked up to my Mac for the moment. I've been checking in a bit at school, lately, but this is the first time I've accessed my own data--a whole load of email to read. Some great threads going, some great new people--it's good to be on Mudcat. --seed

Subject: RE: origins of the blues?
From: Dave T
Date: 28 Jan 99 - 09:53 PM

--seed
As far as I know, the familiar 12-bar blues, along with other forms, appeared around the turn of the century. It's a mix of so many different influences though, it's hard to be sure. Like Barry, I recommend Alan Lomax's, "The Land Where The Blues Began". As Barry says, a read. I often refer back to it to get some insight into certain songs and artists. Highly recommended if you're interested in the roots of blues.
Dave T

Subject: RE: origins of the blues?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Jan 99 - 07:20 PM

For an indepth exploration of the roots, history, & the hows, whens, wheres & whys, try giving Allan Lomax's "The Land Where The Blues Began", a read. Barry

Subject: origins of the blues?
From: --seed
Date: 28 Jan 99 - 04:29 PM

How far back--historically and geographically--do the roots of the blues, particularly the 12 bar rhythmic, harmonic, and poetic structures go? That is, did they originate within the last century among African-Americans, or are there traces among slave songs--or even earlier, in music from Africa? Does anyone know a good source of information on this subject? --seed