Please Step OUT OF THE BOX
I repeat, step out of the box.
Just Roots PR had asked "What Is The Most Creative Thing You Have Heard Done In The Blues--When Was it Done By Whom?"
We didn't seem all that creative in the Blues. In our efforts to 'keep the blues alive' we must remember: It ain't the blues if it's in a PINE BOX.
What if we took the magic word "blues" out of that question? Like what you wanna like! C'mon. Everybody's doin' it!
Just Roots PR had asked "What Is The Most Creative Thing You Have Heard Done In The Blues--When Was it Done By Whom?"
We didn't seem all that creative in the Blues. In our efforts to 'keep the blues alive' we must remember: It ain't the blues if it's in a PINE BOX.
What if we took the magic word "blues" out of that question? Like what you wanna like! C'mon. Everybody's doin' it!
Tags: blues, discussion, forum, hot, naked
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Chad Nordhoff on -
These two MTV videos started me on the road to guitardom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GccfzxHIXaY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k99h5aikc4g
I remember the day my mom told me I couldn't go to this particular concert.
PARENTAL ADVISORY!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osRLMOJ0cW4
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Permalink Reply by Ward on -
That Gun and Roses flick is the truth! That is some good stuff-I gotta check that out and add it to my Rock collection!
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Permalink Reply by CHC Network on -
I had suggested the idea of dropping the word Blues in another thread on Alt. Blues and caught heck.
What I had originally proposed was eliminating this word from our marketing efforts and instead marketing the artist. This was something that was done in the sixties and early seventies, in the case of many of what were essentially Blues artists at the time, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, etc.. Otherwise, and this should have been seen this over the years, we have to dig ourselves out from under a mountain of misconception by people both within and outside of this community, etc. Instead, let the media define the sound.
This does two things:
1. It removes the narrow parameters of the music, and opens things to individual creativity.
2. It removes the perceived necessity of "qualifying" to perform this music.
Also, by focusing on the talents of the artist, instead of operating from within the confines of that "pine box," we permit what is "real" to surface within each artist and enables the artist to borrow from any and all influences they may wish to use for self expression.
If you look at the earliest beginnings of the Blues, W. C. Handy, who is credited with being the "Father of the Blues" actually combined elements of jazz, vaudeville, ragtime, etc. in the earliest music he promoted, as did many of the early Blues performers including Mamie Smith, etc
As well, Blues took on elements of many popular musics as it developed. For an example of this, consider how it took on elements of the then popular Big Band sound as it moved West, thus giving us the West coast sound. As Blues musicians of the south migrated to the urban centers of the north, to compete with this Big Band sound, they had to amplify to be heard.
Let's Play
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Permalink Reply by Chad Nordhoff on
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In that particular alt blues discussion, Rick Saunders brought up the topic in preparation for the 3rd annual Deep Blues Festival in Minneapolis. There were 72 bands already tied to the word blues in that case. The festival took place in July. It was a fantastic gathering of rogue blues(ish) musicians. Fortunately for the fans, there was no time wasted waiting in long lines.
Since the promotional push between March and July of '09, the number of people who are aware of alt-blues has nearly doubled and is rapidly approaching triple digit numbers. So there ya go.
Some tips on promoting blues:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRWBlmbxsTw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDRyUWM0LN0
After bummin' around in the delta for the last several years I have seen many real people (often in real poverty) improvising blues music and bands in many forms. I doubt any of them would pass the purity test of some of my friends up north. I wonder what would have happened to Jimi or Stevie if they had imposed traditional blues limits on their music. (actually that's easy to tell) What about Robert Johnson? Son House didn't want him hanging around.
Like many people, I absolutely love the old time Mississippi Delta Blues and the road that it has paved. Over the last few months especially, I have played for many all-black, southern, and very vocal audiences. When I played what I once thought was a list of what's-what in th BLUES, it occurred to me that they had NO idea where I was coming from.
#1 rule, hard and fast:
Play whatever the heck they want to hear right now. They already paid to get in the door. The clock is ticking.
In times like those, we are forced to innovate.
I've played in the coffee shops where people sit, arms and legs crossed, and very quietly appreciate the artform. I'd rather be heckled. The silence is excruciating.
So ummm... yeah, let's play.
Dave, do you still have that link to the [everything you knew about the blues is wrong] article? That may warrant it's own discussion.
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Permalink Reply by CHC Network on
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Interesting. I followed both of these links you have given and wound up with nothing but a head-ache. Maybe I wasn't following directions correctly. I'm not clear as to how far forward I may have advanced the Blues.
Here's the link for the article you were talking about:
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/retelling-the-history-of-black-...
It's important that this article be read with the other two in this series and read with a book or two that the author suggests, but this first article stands on its own.
Here is a book I would personally suggest. It is entitled Lost Delta Found.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lost-Delta-Found/John-W-Work/e/978...
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Permalink Reply by Jake Green on -
Different parts of the world have different ways to appreciate the music. If you don't like silent listeners, don't go to Spain for example. They have so much respect for the guy on stage that you can hear your pick fall on the floor. I was really spooked first time I played there and there was no sound in a full room but the occasional clink of a glas on a table.
When I finished the first song, they all clapped and cheered, and then fell back into complete silence.
It was really eerie comming from the bluesscene in Copenhagen where people will bustle around and talk in loud voices. In Denmark a noisy room is a sign that people are having a good time, but you can occasionally capture them and bring the room down to a whisper - thats when you know you've hit a nerve. =)
I disagree on your Rule #1 though. They've come to hear YOU play, not some jukebox that'll play whatever they want it too. Its your job as the artist to present your stuff the way you think it should be presented. Your job is to give them an experience, not pamper them with easy listening.
There are lots of people playing "Balle rock" here - which is basicly easy listening party-cover music. Its actually the safest way to make a living off music in this country - and yes, they'll play anything anytime anywhere. What they play doesn't matter as long as they get payed. I make sure to tell bookers that if they want that sort of thing, I know some great people who can deliver it.
If they hire us I make a big point of telling them our style and repertoire so noone gets disapointed.
I was called a musical snob the other day for this point of view by someone who felt that it didn't matter what you played as long as you got paid. If thats the definition, I'll wear that badge proudly. =)
Play your stuff the way you think its supposed to be done, and hope you catch their interest. Usually you will as long as you mean what you play and deliver it honestly from the heart.
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Permalink Reply by The Snake Charmers on -
We struggle with this all the time--how to throw a bone to purists and still find our own sound, bringing together elements of the music we've experienced and appreciate.
It is a complicated dance and many times I just say the equivalent of "I gotta be me" and carry on. I agree that the execution and expression of the music should be the overriding concern. I'm not going to sound like what many consider the "definitive" blues sound ... and I'm learning to live with that.
But there are parameters that confine "blues," even if they are ill-defined. I wish it was clearer, but when I or others try to draw those lines, it starts to seem constricting. A dilemma, to be sure.
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Permalink Reply by Chad Nordhoff on
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I definitely see your point on the rule. In this case I don't mean it as a self imposed rule but was referring to situation where I have a very vocal audience and I've been hired to entertain them. The way I apply that rule is to establish a give-and-take relationship with an audience when they aren't necessarily there just to see me. I play it the way I think it should be done at that moment. I don't fake it but I jam with the audience in a musical exchange. It works the vast majority of the time. If not then I'm just in the wrong place. They can book someone else or get a jukebox.
Many people, especially tourists on Beale Street, are there for a certain experience. I often tell them that I don't play "Mustang Sally", "Pride and Joy", or "Sweet Home Chicago" etc. because they won't be able to avoid those songs after they step outside anyway.
If an audince isn't responsive after playing a string of 'crowdpleasers', I'll often play stuff I know they won't like. That's another trick to sort of condition the folks to understand the situation. They usually will meet me at least half way.
The main reason I came to Memphis is because it's where my natural style meets the musical tastes of the people. In Evansville, Indiana where I lived before the last move, almost all bands played strictly party rock covers. Musicians were treated more like servants than artists. That view was so ingrained in the people there that I could barely get a gig at all. I played there yesterday and got a great response using the new skills I've developed in the south as a result of the different attitudes.
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Permalink Reply by Elam on -
Not to speak for Chad but I totally get his Rule #1
He was not saying he was playing top 40 cover songs to appease
the crowd but playing to an audience with a bit of a discerning ear.
He is correct and you better get on with it in that scenario or get off
the stage
Again you have had to have been in the situation he is referring to to
understand what he meant.
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Permalink Reply by Leon and the Reckless Allstars on -
Wow well stated and point taken to heart- just looking back at some of my heroes I see your point!!! Johnny Guitar Waston is a prime example . He did it his on way - but it was just the blues,
So did ZZtop!! So should we just be roped in with the rock artists or not call it anything at all?
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Permalink Reply by Mickey Flynn on -
Hi Chad, Discovered this page by accident clicking on the wrong bar, but seein I is here, thought Ide just say 'Cool' topic - last time in Memphis a few years back on a visit over there I drove all the way up from NOrleans to check out BB Kings bar to discover a 6 piece resident soul band blastin out some funky music all night long, all that way for nowt, afraid it just mullered my lug holes as does rap and reggea - but no probs guessin each to their own - for me music is the same as any art - folks in future generations will still be painting landscapes, portraits, abstracts and all the other genres & admirers of art will still enjoy googlin at it, ( in the mind of some dumbo ) hypothetically - as I wear my Van Gogh tee shirt thinking Micheal Angello was never heavy enough for me or vice versa - bollocks to em all - music is fun to play for anyone that is playing it - for those who cant and the best they can do is rabbit on about it - for all I give a sh.. let em rabbit on !!! - As I blast out Travellin South followed by Omar & the Howlers Boogie Man, CornBread Mafia, Steve Marriot, plus a shedload more on my vans stereo scusem mwa - must dash off to another gig 200 miles away to enjoy playin some Rock & Blues music - Best of luck to all - keep the blues alive. Mickey Flynn
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Permalink Reply by Blue Plate Special on -
In answer to your question, The most creative things first of all is to compose new material and on the other side be willing to give new material a listen. New perspectives can bring new fans to the Blues, Young music fans are changing, growing tired of the drivel they have been fed, I find this true every night we perform. In Performance, be exciting and talented; too many choose one or the other when both are needed to win over the audience. Fancy tricks and being a party person without talent goes nowhere as does raw talent without trying to connect to the audience.
Blues was there for the birth of Rock and Roll and it should be there now to help shape it and be assimilated. Blues is not just crying in your spilt milk, lyrics should be uplifting and positive relating to todays problems and lord knows there' plenty of them. When we cover a classic do it justice and maybe even put your own spin on it, progress.
Let's be creative and sell off all our 1940's suits and tastes and take back the airwaves and hearts of music fans. Do some blues classic covers out of respect for your founders but express yourself with something you need us to know too!
Here's some other stuff people with the wherewithall can do:
1) grow some cahonnes and start a blues radio station or shows on Prime time airwaves around the world, this music sells and it's listeners buy. Look what it did for Country, sure there is some drivel mixed in but it got them the power. You'd be surprised how many folks would love some change on their 5 o'clock drive home. Rock is dying now due to disinterest and it's time to strike up the Blues.
2) Blues Festivals, give new faces a chance and pay them a fair fee, don't crush and insult them by telling them to play for free, we all have nuts to crack. Stop the cheap battles of the bands- American idol stuff it dosen't work with Real Music.
3) Don't be afraid of a little Rock in your Blues, or a little Jazz or whatever; the important part is to progress, open your minds and let your musical tastebuds draw you to new favorites, it's out here folks!!
The most creative things I've seen lately are:
1)65 year old King Floyd Wilson winning the blues guitar challenge in Chicago over the usual self absorbed pyro tecknik rockers and getting a possible deal with Delmark. Hot on the money guitar and voice, finally heard and realized.
2) the entire crowd in Beloit, Wi. rush to crowd the stage area from the first notes of Real Deal Blues when we finished off the festival after some punk and rock acts. It's out there, we just have to jump in the mix with authority
and a message!
It ain't easy and it never was, open your ears and minds, don't ever put the Blues in a box - It BITES Back!!
© 2012 Created by Eric.
