[Harp-L] Re: Evolving Blues

[Bobbie Giordano <bobg@xxxxxxx>]

Chris Bates wrote:
Re: Evolving Blues (Long) (No, Very long)

[Must have known I would write back!] ;)

>BTW speculation can be fun. We need not take ourselves
>too seriously.

Actually, you're right and I overstated my feelings about it; after all, I 
did enjoy Rainbow Jimmy's imaginative vision of LW if he would have managed 
to survive into the present. I guess what I mean is I don't see much worth 
in trying to "seriously" argue how a late great musician's music would have 
been different had he/she had access to modern day techniques, equipment, 
tools, knowledge, etc., when it is what they did with what was at hand in 
their time that caused them to be revered down through history in the first 
place.  One could even "speculate" that some of the "greats" [in any genre 
or on any instrument] might have even been less well regarded with such 
opportunities of present day available to them if, for instance, they 
couldn't afford [or learn how best to use] them as well as others of their 
time might.  And that's the sort of unfair speculation I actually refer to, 
essentially denigrating their true contribution by presuming they could 
have been better... well, maybe, maybe not.
  
Also...
>I would disagree with the premise that the Blues is
>evolving simply because it is music. There are many
>music forms that have remained static.

Not exactly what I said, but I get your point, too.  I'm saying that all 
music evolves and always has.  Blues was/is itself an evolutionary stage in 
the ongoing history of music in general, and has had its own "intra-genre" 
changes as well, [and continues to do so,] just as all genres do.  As for 
remaining static, I'd venture a guess that most music forms have an element 
of stasis about them, which affords a stable basis which is the appeal of 
any particular genre for its fans.  [Such an aspect is quite probably also 
responsible for the feelings of any genre's detractors!  Classical -- how 
formulaic!  Progressive Jazz -- I don't get it!  Blues -- Always the same; 
how boring!]  :)))  Definitely music is to each his/her own!!

>However, the Blues IS evolving, just not along a fluid
>path.

Yes, but I suspect no less fluid than any other style of music.  Tweaking a 
music form seems to go in fits and starts... A new twist on the rhythm adds 
new interest; a new instrument or new technique on it sparks new ideas; a 
radically different musician appears on the genre's scene and incites a new 
trend.  One or a combination of these sorts of things can excite a new wave 
of fascination with any style of music.  Look at the addition of chromatic 
harp to Jump Blues... it's a retro move enjoying new popularity, perhaps 
due in great part to this new, heavily amplified instrument!  [YAY!!!] :)

>The problem lies, I think, in the cyclic popularity of
>the genre, there is no continuous line. At least not
>in popular consciousness.

I'd add an apparent cyclic popularity of music styles is often driven by a 
nostalgic aspect of every generation, as an interest in the music of their 
parents or ancestors, or even just memories from one's youth.  It does seem 
that people often establish appreciation for certain styles of music that 
appeal most to them sometime before they reach 30 or so, and which stays 
with them the rest of their life.  Even one like myself who enjoys many 
types of music usually leans toward one or a few types more than others.  
Then, as we play our preferred tunes around our children, one day they too 
may revert to listening to it themselves, carrying it forward in their own 
way.  But beyond that "cycle", there is also the less, perhaps, cyclic 
influence of what a music style brings in complement or contrast with 
prevailing climates of humanity: peacetime, prosperity, depression, anger, 
anxiety, confidence, fear... and things like dance [or non-dance] trends, 
too, of course. ;)

>Even when Blues is enjoying a renewed popularity,
>people tend to gravitate to musicians who do not push
>the boundaries too far. To be fair, this is somewhat
>true of all genres.

Absolutely.  And you said it in far fewer words than moi! :)))

>That said, there are innovators out there, there
>always have been. They do not always get the
>recognition or audience.

True, but maybe just "not yet".  Still, true innovators usually manage to 
impact change somehow either themselves or through someone who may actually 
become the flagbearer of the innovation.  Good ideas usually surface 
eventually, thank goodness!

>Evolution is a difficult matter, regardless.
<...>
>Once the connection can no longer be heard, it is 
>now something different, no matter the path that 
>took it there.

A good and cogent point.  Nevertheless, it's still evolution.  :) Or maybe, 
revolution.  The crux of the matter is change can and does take place in 
music within, outside of and across genres.  And harmonica is doing it all 
over the place!!!  Blues, Jump Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz, Celtic, etc.  It's a 
refreshing new age for the instrument! 

>There should always be room for those who play
>"traditional" styles and those who take a different
>path.

And there always will be, I'm sure, just as long as some prefer the 
envelope and others prefer to push it.

Nice post, Chris.

Bobbie