EXAM 1 Flashcards
In his article, Olly Wilson distinguishes between “entertainment” and “art.” Pick one style that we have discussed thus far and use it to explain how Wilson distinguishes these two concepts.
Olly Wilson distinguishes art by saying that it is highly content-charged and affects how we view the world and ourselves over a lengthy period of time. An great example of this is the blues genre, which includes 12 bar blues, country blues, and classic blues. Because it incorporates so many distinctive musical components, such as a variety of instruments and lyrical patterns, and because it is so content-rich, the blues is a magnificent example of art. The fact that Mamie Smith was the first to demonstrate how the blues might be turned into a lucrative industry has also had an impact on the world for many years.
Currently, rhythm and blues music has some of the most commercially successful artists. Olly Wilson says that while it is rewarding straight away, it frequently has a short-lived effect, which sets it apart in terms of entertainment. Any dancing performance-related blues are a clear example of this; while it is incredibly pleasurable at the time, it has no enduring worth.
Both Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington discuss the concept of “swing.” Compare and contrast their thoughts, highlighting both parts where they agree, as well as where they differ.
Armstrong notably underlined that a group of excellent players can work well together under the direction of a constructor while yet being able to perform freely to their individual musical talents and inclinations. Armstrong emphasized, however, that individuals should be colorful and outspoken in how they show their gifts. Ellington also concurred that a swing musician has to be able to improvise additions to the original song.
He also thought that swing musicians should prioritize coherence by listening to each musician’s interpretations and input before a performance and then working together to come to a consensus on one final outcome for a song.
In class we discussed how the classic blues may be considered progressive. In what ways is classic blues different from country blues, and how might these distinctions be considered progressive?
The musical styles of country blues and traditional blues are significantly dissimilar. To start, country blues is often only accompanied by an acoustic guitar, in contrast to traditional blues, which frequently includes many more instruments than just a guitar. Country blues primarily features male performers and vocalists, in contrast to classic blues, which frequently incorporates female singers. This contrast supports Carby’s claim that blues might be seen as progressive. Carby claimed that women controlled the blues and used it to assert their dominion over sexuality. This demonstrated how blues allowed black women to express and assert their identities, which ignited the progressive movement.
Hazel Carby writes about the importance of Black women to the blues. Which statement best describes her main argument?
Female blues singers help articulate a move from objectification to reclaiming Black women’s subjectivity.
Which of these aspects did blackface minstrelsy not embody?
Reverence
Why have some jazz scholars identified bebop as a “modernist” artform?
It combined borrowed materials with originally composed melodies
Olly Wilson discusses six conceptual approaches to Black music. Which one is not an approach that Wilson discusses?
Improvisation
Which of these is a characteristic of country blues?
Accompaniment is an acoustic guitar
Which of these is a characteristic of ragtime?
Form borrowed from marches
Which is not a characteristic of early jazz?
Single improvised/melodic lines
Which statement best describes swing?
Meant for dancing
