Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Journal 10, Nick Giokas


Countless genres of music include a heavy influence in the blues.  The blues came out of a culture and way of life that is not experienced today. Racisms, poverty, and oppression were plentiful when the blues were flourishing.  Even though we do not get the blues like we used to, there is still a heavy influence that can be seen in all types of music.  While the Avett Brothers and Jimi Hendrix are polar opposites in music, they both share a common bond in their roots. 

The Avett Brothers are considered more of a folk rock, indie rock band.  They consists of simply a banjo and guitar with some slight upright bass and percussion at times.  The main instruments are the banjo and guitar; just like in the blues the main instrument was the guitar and harmonica.  Also the blues is a genre of music that can tell a story.  The Avett brothers love to do this in their songs because they are constantly painting a picture with their music.  Not just with words, the brothers use the music and the tempos to bring out emotions in the listener. 

Jimi Hendrix is on of the most popular guitarists of all time.  While short lived he made a humongous impact on the rock genre.  His music was rebellious and completely different than anything else at the time.  This is his main relation to the blues.  The blues was no popular right away; it was originally frowned upon and only played by the poor and oppressed.  Just like many blues players Jimi played for himself, not the satisfaction of wealth or fame.  In his album he constantly makes stories out of his songs that are portrayed through the lyrics and instruments.  His guitar is just as vocal as his own voice.  

No comments:

Post a Comment