Listen, I was trained for choral by a Carnegie Hall member (high school teacher).
So, I can get the idea of "bending" a note.
I can understand flatting a note.
It's a little had for me to get through the note that is basically an African quarter tone, with no movement, just held flat for a retardando of approximately a whole note.
Do I need to adjust to be able to "dig" the blues? Happydog, I forgive you. You have no musical training, so you don't understand what an African quarter tone is, or that it actually a huge accomplishment to be able to sing them, and that I CAN do so, but am too Western to be accustomed to it. Oh, well, there's no educating you I imagine. But watch your tone when you speak of things you do not know. Answer those things which you have MORE background in, not less. the blues, as in jazz, in its best, is improvisional . the people who started it all had no idea of musical structure, flat or sharp notes, they played what they felt, and what sounded good to them. there were no rules or limitations. thats what made it what it is today. some of the best musicians never had a lesson in their lives. they play like they do, and dont copy someone else. this type of music is more feel than technique. if you cant get past that............ i guess. that explains a lot if they are all trying to sound like that. Are you refering to voice or instrument? Anyway, the only advice i can give you on "Adjusting" to "dig" the blues, is to forget about proper theory, it has no place in blues! LOL! Seriously, just listen and soak it all up. Then try it yourself. This is A SHARP question.
Actually, the whole blues thing is based on FEEL.
Hence, the sole extent of any fashionability is
the effect of the composition on each
listener's person, way, deep down.
In fact, I've lived through what we'll call,
seasons, where some 'blues PR' was
put out for mass audiences.
Few, in proportion to what're known
as classics or, standard gems,
have remained as listenable
or ever referred-to in seriousness.
It isn't a matter--to answer directly--of anyone
needing to 'adjust' to be able to dig something.
ESPECIALLY in the case of what we call
the blues. Granted, there are some elements
of it which can need an acquired taste,
but if the root within a person's appreciation
of something isn't there, then, one would
do better in pursuing another subject.
Some, the moment they're introduced say,
to StarTrek/StarWars, are hooked for life.
Others find zero interest, aren't the least into it.
Leno watchers think Letterman a bit lofty or,
derisive, and find his satirical pitch offensive.
Conversely, Letterman addicts find the Leno
people slow or, dense.
>>And so, we have horseraces.
To another toast, I say. You don't adjust to music. You dig it or you don't. Never force it, or it's not fun.
I don't particularly like a flat note. I like one bent to the Heavens! It's personal preference really. The first thing you need to do hear the music. Some people just don't have a feel for blues, but by listening and practicing damn near anyone can sing 'em. Stay away from theory, listen to Muddy Waters, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Howling Wolf, etc......sing along with the songs. If you can sing on key, you should be able to also sing sharp, or flat too. It's all about feeling it. Enjoy! you need to adjust your head SEVERELY. That comment about "being flat and never going anywhere with the note" is probably one of THE most uninformed, asinine, and borderline racist statements about music I have ever read.
I'll cut you a minor amount of slack, due to the fact that you are young, and tell you to get your dumb a** to the store and pick up the following CDs:
Etta James: Her Best
Soul on Fire - Lavern Baker
Bobby "Blue" Bland - 20th Century Masters
Big Mama Thornton - Hound Dog: The Peacock Recordings
Sweet Soul Queen of New Orleans - Irma Thomas
Howlin' Wolf - His Best
Otis Rush - The Essential Collection, Classic Cobra Recordings
Then you listen to that for about 10 years, and MAYBE you'll "get" it. Or maybe you should just go back to listening to your "trained for choral" music.
Blues is about truth and emotion. Blues is not a "technique." It' is not a "style." It is life and it is truth and it is raw. It's not about "African Quarter Note" and all that other hyper-academic neo-racist crap. Blues is the sound of the human spirit in joy and pain. If you can't appreciate the blues on a visceral, personal level you might as well just hang it up and listen to Lawrence Welk and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for the rest of your life.
Now get on out of here. "an African quarter tone with no movement." What a bunch of culturally inappropriate, insensitive, cloth eared crap. Hi,
I think alot of blues players (myself included) would answer that like the caveman in the Gieco commercials. UH..... What?!. LOL seriously though, for me the blues isnt about therory or musical "correctness" Its about emotion. A simple progression that you can impart your own feelings into. Some of the best Blues is out of time&key. Alot of Jazz guys respect blues player for the ability to improvise, albiet with a less theoretical approach. Just close your eyes , play and dont get caught up in the mechanics. Thats Blues. |
