Traditional Music

Question 1

blues music typical features

Answer 1

• repeated chord progressions (typically 12 bars, sometimes 16 bars)
• primary chords but often with added 7ths
• 4/4 time with a clear and steady beat
• moderate to slow tempo
• call and response texture (between voice and the instrument)
• repetition of lyrics (AAB Structure)
• blues notes used in the melody to add a mournful tone
• performance technique of slide
• brass instruments (trumpets, trombone)
• vocals, keyboard and bass
• walking bass lines

Question 2

reggae music - typical features

Answer 2

• 4,4 time
• moderate to slow tempo
• simple bass riffs with octave leaps
• emphasis on the backbeats (beats 2 and 4)
• one drop rhythm
• guitars using the skank technique to provide an accompaniment
• blues inflections in the melody line
• syncopated/push rhythms
• political/social lyrics
• prominent bass line

Question 3

African music/music influenced by Africa - typical features

Answer 3

• close harmony acapella singing
• call and response textures
• improvisation/ feeling of improvisation
• drum-based music
• polyrhythmic textures
• rhythms derived from natural speech patterns

Question 4

contemporary Latin music typical features

Answer 4

• 4/4 time
• lively tempo
• Latin percussion instruments eg. bongos, congas, claves
• dance rhythms such as the clave (salsa) or cha cha
• polyrhythmic textures
• syncopated rhythms
• use of ostinatos and riffs
• solo vocals in the verse with vocal harmonies in the chorus
• piano introductions

Question 5

folk music typical features

Answer 5

• simple melody and accompaniment textures
• acoustic (or semi-acoustic) instruments
• solo voice in the verse with vocal harmonies in the chorus
  narrative: the songs tell a story
• simple harmonies but with many inversions created by the guitar accompaniment
• irregular phrases
• rhythms derived from natural speech - often including scotch snap and syncopated patterns
• repetitive melody lines