Exploring the Rich Heritage of Appalachian Music
Dive into the diverse world of Appalachian music, where a blend of instrumental and vocal styles created by Appalachian musicians reflects the unique rural society and technological changes. Discover the origins of instruments like the banjo and dulcimer, and witness the evolution of Appalachian music through different performances and styles.
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Presentation Transcript
Appalachian Music Aaron Davis Introducing Appalachian Studies
What is Appalachian music? No such thing as Appalachian music Variety of instrumental/vocal styles made by Appalachian musicians Often reflect rural society/technological changes
The Banjo in Appalachia Coo Coo Bird as performed by Mike Seeger - example The banjo has its roots in Africa, and what you may hear is a gourd banjo played in the African style. Notice many African American banjo players today? Probably not the instruments were associated with minstrel shows and blackface performances, ensuring that newer generations would not carry on the tradition. This banjo style was not played with three fingers (as would be developed later), but generally with two. Don t forget the blues roots of what would later be termed Appalachian music.
The Dulcimer Calico as performed by Mike Seeger - example. Jean Ritchie is also a great resource. The dulcimer is thought to have come from Germany originally, but it evolved into what we know of as a dulcimer today in the mountains. Also something about what is referred to as old- time music : the instrument and the vocal part follow the same melody with relatively little embellishment. Melody, melody, melody in old- time music.
Banjo Transformation Earl's Breakdown as performed by Flatt & Scruggs - example. Earl Scruggs is often given the credit for inventing the three-finger banjo style that bluegrass musicians use today. While he may have not been the first to use three fingers, the way in which he played in that style did revolutionize the sound of the instrument.
Vocal Music Barbary Allen as performed by Jean Ritchie - example. Ballad a song that tells a story, or a story song. Acapella ballads were common in the Appalachian mountains and were discovered by outsiders in the late 1800s/early 1900s (remember the name Cecil Sharp as a collector during this period). The is perhaps the first wave of interest in Appalachian music from the outside. Women are often considered to be primary bearers of the ballad tradition in Appalachia, although men did perform them as well.
Vocal Music Another version; this time, it's performed by Emmy Rossum (imitating Sheila Kay Adams of western North Carolina). Notice any differences? Same story line with slightly different wording and changed melody. Anyone recognize this song and vocal style from a film? Hint: the film is Songcatcher
Vocal Music (cont.) Idumea - example. Religious music is also very important in the Appalachian region, and perhaps the acapella forms of it from the Old Regular and Primitive Baptists are the most notable. Some religious groups did not believe in instruments during worship, and they didn't use or have access to written music. So... they used what is known as shape note singing, and some groups began the first verse of a song by singing the do-re-mi notes of their individual parts to establish the melody.
Vocal Music (cont.) Wings to Fly as performed by Roadside Theater - example. Another commonly used practice in some churches was (and still is) the practice of lining out songs. This involves (as you may well hear) the leader's speaking the text of the next line directly before the group sings it.
Old Time Music Pretty Saro as performed by Iris Dement - example. Again, notice that the lead instruments plays the same melody. The fiddle has its roots in western Europe and was brought to Appalachia through immigration. One reason for the allure of Appalachian music is its inclusion of various cultures (African-banjo; Fiddle-England, Scotland, Ireland; Dulcimer- Germany; Mandolin-Italy; Guitar-Spain)
The Carter Family Wildwood Flower as performed by The Carter Family - example. Often referred to as The First Family of Country Music Known mainly for their recording in the famous Bristol Sessions in 1927 (as well as Jimmie Rodgers) and for their songs Wildwood Flower and Keep on the Sunny Side (just to name two). Also, pay attention to the guitar style of Mother Maybelle Carter she would influence countless guitarists.
Bill Monroe and His Blue grass Boys Molly and Tenbrooks as performed by Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys - example. Many refer to Bill Monroe as the Father of Bluegrass Music, particularly during the years of 1945-1949 when Flatt & Scruggs were part of his band. Interesting fact: Neither Monroe nor any member of his band at the time were from Appalachia. Flatt & Scruggs eventually left Monroe and formed their own band, and the addition of band #2 to the Bluegrass world really began to establish it as a distinct genre.
Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys Notice the spelling of Blue Grass as two separate words. It wouldn't become bluegrass until later. Also notice one glaring difference between old- time and bluegrass: the instruments in bluegrass take improvised solos that don't necessary follow the melody. Old-time solos usually contain the melody. Additionally, notice the high lonesome sound of Bill Monroe that would become a staple of bluegrass music.
The Stanley Brothers The Flood as performed by the Stanley Brothers - example. Ralph and Carter Stanley hail from Dickenson County, VA. This is the third influential band in the early years of Bluegrass (adding to Monroe's band and Flatt & Scruggs). Also notice the topic here: it's very much based on real events
Flatt & Scruggs Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms as performed by Flatt & Scruggs - example. Again, notice the improvisation of bluegrass (particularly in the banjo) as well as the three- finger style. Lester Flatt is on rhythm guitar and sings lead. Although Josh Graves is not featured in this lineup, his use of the Dobro would become very important in the evolution of bluegrass.
Tom Dooley Tom Dooley as performed by The Kingston Trio - example. No, they aren't an Appalachian group (can you tell?) The Trio and other groups provided a resurgent interest in Appalachian folk music and bluegrass in the 60s and 70s with the folk revival movements. More modern example of renewed interest: O' Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Influence Continues... Appalachian Spring: Fast as written by Aaron Copland - example. Interest in Appalachian music began in the late 1800s, saw a resurgence in the 60s/70s, and lives on today! Mark O'Connor, Yo-Yo Ma, Aaron Copland are just a few names of folks who have classical backgrounds but find appeal in folk music, thus adding to the diversity in the Appalachian tradition.
But those aren't the only places... ... you'll find new Appalachian music. The African American string band called the Carolina Chocolate Drops brings back the tradition of African American string band music in the Appalachians with a twist! Carolina Chocolate Drops Hit Em Up Style - example.
