DISSERTATION

How has African American genres have evolved over the Past 100 years?

From the early stages of african influence to modern day Hip hop and R&B, African American music styles have evolved greatly over the past 100 years. It has helped to create a distinct national identity that has been globally popularized for decades.

AFRICA

The early stages of African American music began with the importation of slaves from Africa to America. Many slaves brought  the knowledge of instrumentation, song techniques and much more. Banja drums was one of the first percussion that they were able to create whilst living in America.They would use this instrument as another form of communicating with other slaves, and by the 1700s it was banned in many plantations across America. Slaves would use music as a way to uplift their spirits through the hardship, and horrific predicaments they were facing.

Just by tribal and culture differences, it has been able to create many genres that are still heavily popularized centuries later.

Even though religion was another way for slave owners to control their slaves, it also was the early stages of a new genre called gospel music. Even to this day it still creates a great impact within the black community. Gospel Music was also another way that slaves would send subliminal messages to bring hope, motivation, dreams of the freedom land to one another.

BIRTH OF THE BLUES

The civil war was a great success in the case that it allowed many slaves to be free by law. But there was another issue facing America at the time, poverty. The blues is a great example of how migration affects social and cultural change within the black community.  Where does the blues originate from ?. The Blues Originated from the south of America, places such as St louis, Mississippi and many more. As America was moving into the twentieth century, the blues was evolving into a mixture of prior genre such as Ragtime, folk music and gospel, creating a new sound across America.  Many people brought along music whilst migrating to bigger and more developed cities during the industrial era.

The musical structure of the blues only relies mainly on 3 chords, It's a more lyrical then a narrative genre, and uses an emotional vocal form to express a story line. By the 1920s the blues had change from classical blues to country blues, which was a mostly male populated genre. With country blues it was more of raw, strained  instrumentation and included nasally vocal techniques. The instruments used where the banjo, strings (Guitar mostly) and a jug. Unlike jazz the blues didn’t spread as much from the south to the Midwest until the 1930s-1940s. Industrialization created the development of technological advancement within radio, records and many more. The increase of large black urban communities with money allowed the creation of race records within the music industry. This allowed the blues traditions to spread and connect  with one another. By the 1940s the blues was gaining a lot of economic and social gains through popularity. Both rural and urban blacks embracing the national blues culture.

CHICAGO BLUES

After the second great Migration (Mississippi to Chicago) a new form blues was created called Chicago blues. Muddy waters (1915-1985) known as the father of modern Chicago blues, was the leading creator of chicago blues and in my opinion one of the top greatest guitarist of all time. Muddy Water and other artists such as big bill broonzy(1893-1958), Howlin wolf (1910-1975), and many more, open the doors to a new urban sound, consisting of electric based instruments, harmonica, drums, piano and much more. Chicago blues created a clean and ‘industrial sound’ of the blues which was completely different from the previous sounds of the blues. This specific genre was only made possible by the black migration. Over the rest of the 20th century the blues was a heavy impact on many genres and also evolved itself with the times.

JAZZ

In the early stages of the world war, a new genre started to popularise across America and the world. The Jazz era was an important stage in American history, as it was time in which there was a symbolic cultural shift. The first few years of the jazz age were vitale and impactful to society, as prior to that they had encountered the dark times during the World War. Jazz was able to bring along more hope and joyfulness into people lives, bringing new forms of art and a way of living. Hence why the 1920s is referred to as the roaring twenties. One of the first recognised styles within the genre is the Dixieland. The reason of its name is because of its origins, as it  was created within New Orleans.  New Orleans was one of the most diverse cities within the southern states of America, with a mixture of people from Mexico, Africa, Italy, France, Caribbean and many other countries. With the combination of different cultures joining together it helped jazz to become what it is today.  It also blended from previous genres such as Ragtime, Gospel, Marches, Blues and many more. 

Jazz began as genre created for dance and performances, later years it was also used for other ways of expression. The first recording of jazz music was in 1917, which created a large development and popularity across America. Artist such as Duke Ellington (1899-1974) and Fletcher Henderson (1897-1952),where the first few that began the creation of black orchestras, that performed in nightclubs in New York and Chicago. One of the most popular jazz clubs was Cotton Club. Cotton Club was a New York night club which was first based in Harlem. Most popular between the 1920s-1940s, this club was widely recognised as many famous, blues and jazz artist had performed there. For example Bessie Smith, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Chick Webb

Jazz is a large genre but the basic elements within it are syncopation, improvisation, techniques (instrumental techniques) and harmony. The clarinet, trombone, bass, trumpet and a drum set was the basic ingredients to create this genre.

New Orleans wasn't just the birthplace of jazz , but of many other genres and artists. Both black and white important figures within jazz, mainly came from New orleans or states in the South. Many artist such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker created a collective of different styles within jazz such as, swing,traditional jazz, bebop, cool jazz and many more. The increase in african american performers and predominantly white audiences created a lot of controversy and racial conflicts. For example, Marian Anderson was asked to perform at Howard University but, was denied based on the issue of her skin colour. This created such controversy that even Eleanor Roosevelt, ( the first lady at the time) resigned from the DAR. The outcome of that decision allowed Anderson to perform at the Lincoln memorial instead.  Cotton club is another case  in which they only allowed caucasian patrons. Even with these issues black artists still performed for African American audiences, if it was at church, or for dances they would always come back to the roots of the genre  And today there are countless of jazz festivals and musicians across the globe. I believe that jazz is one of the first few early genres that has created such an impact within music globally. The Nielsen 2014 year end report

Says ‘’jazz is continuing to fall out of favor with American listeners and has tied with classical music as the least-consumed music in the U.S., after children’s music’’.  Jazz and classical musical combined only represents 1.4% of the total US consumption a piece.

R&B

R&B has been around for decades, and has been a forever changing form of music, that evolves with the times. Originating from places such as New Orleans, New York and many other states. The genre  R&B also known as rhythm and blues name  was created by Jerry Wexler who was a music journalist during the 1950s-1980s. Even though the name R&B includes genres within it, it still has influence from,  Soul, Funk, Gospel, Rock. Created at the end of world war 2, R&B is well known for its strong vocals and heavy back beats. It began to gain large amount of popularity during the 60s with the dedication of record labels such Motown, and talent from artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown and ray charles and more. Rhythm and blues was designed mostly for young black audiences, later on it would reach global popularity. The early stages of R&B tried to move away form the typical big band formular, and more into small bands,  gaining a lot influence from genres like the blues. R&B was once known as race records but the name changed to make it less derogatory and more commercial. Venues such as Municipal, Royal Peacock club, 81 theatre, helped R&B artists to promote their work. In 1949 J.B Blayton was one of the first black owned radio station in America, their R&B format was extremely popular with Atlanta listeners, this also helped promote and gain more fans for the genre.  In the 1950s R&B had competition with other genres which where jazz and Rock And Roll. As a genre it began to adapt itself into something that was more original and that had an identity. By the 1960s R&B had taken a more gospel approach. This new form Of R&B was promoted by artist such Ray charles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Sam Cooke. This change created  R&B into a popular genre creating number one on a daily.

The decrease in  popularity was said to be short lived by the Billboard magazine.  Since R&B has combined with Pop charts, it has been heard and used more frequently within many industries. R&B has also been used as name for most black genres such as Funk, Soul, Rap and Disco. Listening to the R&B at the end of the 20th Century is definitely a mix of emotions. This era gave a meaning of love and what it is to be in love. Their influence mainly came from previous jazz compositions and classicals blues. R&B use the technique of wide range of instrumentation, to find sounds that have never been heard before. The structures of songs were mainly jazz formation and included ad libs just like bepop jazz. The present day Rap was created on a basis that was made at the end of 20th century but now as R&B is more globalized it relates mostly to pop music than its original roots. Artist like Beyonce, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo, has changed R&B concentrating mostly on their lifestyle instead of the making and production of the music.  If you compare the 1990s to the early 2000s you can see how the music evolves from slow soulful songs into more pop related. But 2000s where the times in which artist became more independent and less reliable for groups and backing vocals.  But as the years go by and we see the differences appearing and developing into something that could be revolutionary we realise that it is  just part of evolution and the makings of new genres.

CONCLUSION

I believe that people of colour have had a great struggle attempting to enter many industries. Dealing with issues of racial related attacks, controversy and unnecessary drama. People have truly forgotten, or have not given the true credit and respect to the originators of most genres, especially in America. Even through all the trauma they have experienced through slavery and just being in America. The mental, physical and emotional abuse losing their culture, identity and self worth in this world. To be able to to come back from that is a miracle. Having to rebuild and gain confidence of oneself is one thing, but being able to create such an impact through many pathways especially through the arts is another. Rising through hard times and to continue to strive is a beautiful thing, and that is why I respect many black artist for what they have done and created for the next generation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Back to the Basics. (2018). Evolution of R&B — An Essay. [online] Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/distinguishedwithintegrity.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/evolution-of-rb-an-essay/amp/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2018].

The60sofficialsite.com. (2018). The Official 60's Site-Rhythm and Blues Music of the 1960s. [online] Available at: http://www.the60sofficialsite.com/Rhythm_and_Blues_Music_of_the_1960s.html [Accessed 1 Feb. 2018].

Back to the Basics. (2018). Evolution of R&B — An Essay. [online] Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/distinguishedwithintegrity.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/evolution-of-rb-an-essay/amp/ [Accessed 3 Jan. 2018].

Encyclopedia.com. (2018). The History of African American Music - Dictionary definition of The History of African American Music | Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary. [online] Available at: https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/history-african-american-music [Accessed 4 Jan. 2018].

Unf.edu. (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.unf.edu/uploadedFiles/committee/AAFSA/The%20Evolution%20of%20African-American%20Music.pdf [Accessed 2 Jan. 2018].

AllMusic. (2018). Blues Music Genre Overview | AllMusic. [online] Available at: https://www.allmusic.com/genre/blues-ma0000002467 [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018].

Smithsonian Institution. (2018). Jazz and Blues. [online] Available at: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/african-american-music/jazz-blues [Accessed 9 Jan. 2018].

National Museum of American History. (2018). What is Jazz?. [online] Available at: http://americanhistory.si.edu/smithsonian-jazz/education/what-jazz [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].

Wall, A. (2018). History of R&B Music Videos | …defining web video. [online] Web.colby.edu. Available at: http://web.colby.edu/am297/history-of-rb-music-videos/ [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].

Home.olemiss.edu. (2018). Jazz Summary. [online] Available at: http://home.olemiss.edu/~rvernon/mus103/summary/jazz.html [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].

Spinditty. (2018). How Did Jazz Originate?. [online] Available at: https://spinditty.com/genres/How-did-jazz-begin-Part-one-of-a-history-of-jazz [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].

Rosa, D. (2018). Jazz Has Become The Least-Popular Genre In The U.S.. [online] Jazz Line News. Available at: https://news.jazzline.com/news/jazz-least-popular-music-genre/ [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].

style project

 

Psychedelic soul:

Psychedelic soul is a combination of two genre which are soul and rock. It commonly called black amongst black artist that have intertwined with the genre. The most notable artist within this genre for me are; Earth Wind & Fire, George Clinton, Curtis Mayfield, Sly & The family stone and lastly Parliament Funkadelic. Top well known songs from this genre are ; Papa was a rollin stone, Marvin Gaye Inner city, Rotary connection I am the black gold of the sun  and pusherman by Curtis Mayfield.

           

Disco:

Disco is a genre that gained a large amount of popularity in the late 60s early 1970s. This genre is combination of previous genres such as psychedelic soul, soul, funk, gospel and many more African American genres. This genre intentionally designed to be a dance and clubbing type of genre. The main time signature is 4/4, the majority of songs within this genre where normally fast tempo. This genre was also known as four on the floor.

    




    

Alternative/electronic/shoe gaze:

It's a subgenre of indie and alternative rock which was created in America. The name shoe gaze was created by the British music press to explain the ambiance and presence when played on stage. The characteristics of this genre are heavy reverb, guitar distortion, unique vocal techniques, feedback and effects.

Hip hop:

The origins of this genre are from funk, Dub, R&B, Reggae and many more african american genres. It began as a urban movement in the early 1970s within the bronx in new york city, but over the years the art has gained popularity  internationally. Hip hop is a culture that was  developed by inner city African American youths. Rapping is one of the 4 elements within  this genre, the others are breakdancing DJing and grafiti. Well known Hip Hop songs; Straight outta Compton NWA,  Tupac  Keep ya head up, Biggie smalls juicy and many more.

Art rock:

Art rock is a subgenre that reflects on a more challenging and unique approach to rock, which uses a lot of experimental and unconventional ways of playing. INfluences for this genre are avant- garde, classical, experimental rock and jazz.

Harrison Gig

GIG EVALUATION (HARRISONS SOLO)

The preparation for my solo gig over the past few months has been a new experience, and the overall outcome was much better than what I anticipated. In the first month we had to do a workshop called technical development. The overall objective was to help us find our music style genre and technique so we can actually breakdown what type artist we ar. This workshop really help me become more experimental with my guitar and vocals techniques. It also helped me develop one of my songs Spanish dreams that Performed. I changed my performance list because i really wanted show the best of everything instrumental and vocal. I practiced nearly everyday before my performance so I can be fully prepared. I was also able to help in the first concert, that really benefit because I was able to know how it feels to be on the stage and find the bits I need to improve. I believe that my performance could have been much better than it was if I hadn't change my list so many times, and also learn how to control my nerves before going on the stage. Overall I performed very well but I cut down some of my songs because I was bit nervous. The only thing I would say to improve is the duration of performance, it wasn't as long enough. It seemed that audience enjoyed my performance especially m song Spanish Dreams people afterwards came to me to congratulate me. I didn't feel much of a difference even though it was a completely different audience. When on stage I don't really concentrate much on the audience as it will distract me.

Careers Plan industry

Careers plan

The plan should include the following:

Short bio/statement

My name is Hasna Iman Bramble and I am a self instructed instrumentalist and vocalist. I hope to be a professional artist and have my own Independent label in the future. My main instruments are the bass and guitar,but I also play the bongo drums and piano. I mostly create Neo-soul based music, but I also enjoy experimenting with different genres. I mainly do solo based performances but every now and then I do band work with other people in my college.

Fanbase

I'm still an up and coming artist so my fanbase is not huge, I do have couple friends and family who are really interested in my music. I also have small fan base on my instagram page. A large amount of my fan base is mainly  ages between 10-18 but I hope in the near future that I could reach ages up to 45+.

Live Performance

For the past few years I have done a couple performances in pubs and different venues around  London and in Essex. I have performed in a handful of competitions and assemblies while in school as well. One of my aims or dreams in the near future is to perform at Coachella and the O2 arena in the next 5 -10 years.

Marketing

The way I have been promoting my music is through social media (Instagram). I believe that's  it is form to be advertising my music as its popular social media base.  I plan to create my own website soon based on my art and music

Releases  

1. Create an EP and get recognition on social media and websites.
2. Create a band
3. Create artwork for the covers my EP and albums
4. Do my own videography for my songs
5. Perform in live concerts or pubs to get known around the community.
6. Try and ask for funding to create full album
7. Create social media or websites to promote my music
8. Create an album

My questions (keith)

HOW HAS MUSIC  AFFECTED THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE OUTCOME.

Maybe

HOW HAS MUSIC WITHIN THE BLACK COMMUNITY AFFECTED US  SOCIALLY OVER THE

PAST 5 DECADES

HOW HAS JAZZ EVOLVED OVER THE CENTURY AND  HOW HAS IT INFLUENCED

OTHER GENRES  nope

HOW HAS LAWS AND POLITICAL WARS AFFECTED  AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC IN 1960S

AMERICA  nope

TO WHAT EXTENT HAVE  LANGUAGE BARRIERS AFFECTED THE GROWTH OF THE

GLOBAL  POPULARITY OF LATIN MUSIC/ K -POP nope

HOW HAS HIP HOP EVOLVED SINCE THE 1970S TO PRESENT DAY AND WHAT HAS BEEN

THE OUTCOME

Diary (Technical Development, Support and promotion, portfolio and band worshop)

SOLO PERFORMANCES/ BAND WORK/ PORTFOLIO DIARY

1 month

Week 1

Solo Technical development : Our tutor (Chloe) explained in depth what we will be doing for the whole term. She also explained how the workshop will benefit us as musicians. The objective of this lesson was to practice a song that you would like to include in your solo concerts next year, and from that we will develop the sound, texture of the song to extreme measures, so you can find where you feel most

comfortable.

Band: Our first lesson with our new teacher (Keith) was amusing. We began explaining what the

workshop was based on, and how it was going to help improve and find who we were as musicians. As it was our first lesson since we had come back from the Summer holidays,He allowed us to practice before performing to the class. The main objective for the first lessons was to feel more comfortable while performing as we hadn't performed in a while. We had to choose who we would work with and practice a song that we both knew. My partner was Marco, who is a vocalist and I was also a vocalist whilst being the instrumentalist. We performed Feeling good by Nina Simone and I played the chords of Just friends by Musiq soulchild, but we freestyled with the lyrics. Being able to perform and be on stage again was enjoyable, and it definitely boosted up my confident.

Portfolio: In portfolio lessons we were just told what we were going to do in this term and for the

rest of the year. We mainly did research of things we wanted our dream jobs to relate to and also right a mind map of things that you already and want to do in the future. I searched to be a human form and still form artist, photographer, producer, fashion designer and a independent musician that produces my own records.

Week 2

Solo Technical development: (Chloe) our teacher recorded our original songs we had chosen for the solo performance. that's all we did in class this week.

Band: we started with psychedelic soul this week and the song was papa was a rolling stone by the temptation. I played the drums as well as the guitar but I only have a recording of me playing the bongo drums. The objective was to know the chords and lyrics of the song so we can get on with practicing in class as a group.

Portfolio: we did more research on out future dream jobs. Mainly focused on human form art and

how i can promote and have financial gain while doing so.

Week 3

Solo:  In this week we had to change the dynamics of the songs we have chosen. The song I have chosen is Bad 4 me by Etta Bond , and my goal was to make the louder parts of the songs quiet and reverse. It was a bit tricky at first but after while I got the hang of it.

Band: We continued with last week work trying to improve and change a few things also.

Portfolio:we had to right about A famous British Dj  and explain how he developed and his journey entering into the music industry

fame.

Support & promotion: This week we had our first lesson with the bands that we will be performing with in the November concert.  The people in my group are Kyrah Rihanna, Kesana, Danni and Sade. In the class we mainly talked about what songs we were going to perform, who is going to sing or play instruments, should we produce our own songs, and who is going to be the group leader. Because we had a lot of vocalist, me and kessana were the only two who could play instruments, so the band relied heavily on us to choose the songs to perform.

Week 4

Solo: tempo In solo workshop we had to change the tempo of our songs to either fast or very slow. I decided to do a slow version of the song I performed. This exercise wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, in fact it helped me develop the song even more because i had more time to jazz it up. I enjoyed this class  because  I was able to see how i could make the song sound completely different just by changing the tempo. We also had to include the dynamic change we did in the previous class and also change the tempo.

Band: funk In band this week we did a Funk song called freak out, I played the guitar and i was also learn new chords and techniques on the guitar.

Portfolio: This week we are trying creating our own portfolio beginning with the introduction, explaining who I am and what my ambitions are in the future. Our teacher has given us a few questions to help us with creating the portfolio

Support & promotion: In class we went through a couple of songs that I suggested, and we have now found 3 songs which are; D'angelo How does it feel, Musiq Soulchild Just friends and Khalid Location, but instead we doing a mashup of songs with the chords. The main objective for the lesson was to choose the songs and work out the harmonise for at least 2 of the songs.

MONTH 2  PLANNED FOR CONCERT

Week 5

Solo: This week we did a class based on sound extremes this lesson was extremely hard we had to to be independent and make our extreme as it can be including the previous things we have learnt in class. I struggled in this class I really didn't know what to change so all I changed was the fingerpicking technique and I used a guitar slider.

Band: In this lesson we did an old school song called freak out.I played the main riffs on the guitar which was a bit tricky because I had to position my finger in a way I wasn't use to, but after a while I got the hang  of it.

Portfolio: We are still completing our portfolio. I've began writing what I want to do in the future.

Support & promotion: This week we had to split the whole class into sections of who is doing what for the concert. Alyx had to communicate and contact the professional group who will be performing with us, kesana  Kenny had to manage the concert layout, Me and Ivan had to promote the concert by handing out leaflets around college, Danni had to sort out the social media, and Kyra had to sort out the bar and drinks. In class we have include one of my original songs called African Queen which I made in the first year for my last perfomance. We are also working on a new original song which we are going to call life time. I have also decided i won't be singing for most songs as we already have to many vocalist and i also need to concentrate on  performing well on the guitar because i'm the main instrumentalist.

Week 6

Solo:  In class today our teacher taught us about Sound emotion. How people can connect music or sound with colours. So we played a few songs and we had choose colour we think connects with it. Our teacher showed us chart of colours that most people see when certain songs are played. It was a really interesting class.

Band: still working on the funk genre

Portfolio: We just had to break down what we are doing with our portfolio and what we are writing about

Support & promotion: This week I Have been working on background artwork for the leaflets. I have decided to use watercolor as I believe it's simple to do and it always looks beautiful at the end

Week 7

Solo: This week we stopped doing the workshop and we are now working on our solo list for the

concert next year. I'm not quite sure if i'm going to create new original songs or just do covers. But I have started with Billie Holiday strange fruit as my first song.

Band: This week alternative shoegaze rock music it was really interesting. I've never heard of this genre before so it really intrigued me. In this genre they use a heavy amount of reverb and effects, it feels as if you are in a dream. The objective of the lesson was to create a sound similar to the genre. I played the guitar, it wasn't as hard as i thought it would be. The chords where simple and all i had to do was add effects to the guitar to make sound complicated.

Portfolio: I'm still completing my portfolio, but we also had to right a least of things we are meant to do in each for our final project. I have decided that I want to create an Ep this year as well as a music video.

Support & promotion:We practiced all of our songs but we are still struggling with the harmonies

because their are to many singers, but hopefully by next week we can finish sorting out the harmonies. I have completed the background for the leaflets, so all me and Ivan have to do is to collect all the information so we can right it all up on the leaflet. Alyx has called up the band this week about what they need for the performance and the schedule for the day of the concert. Danni has set up a Facebook account for the concert, and kessana is still completing the schedule for our bands.

Week 8

Solo: I have completed my list of songs. I have decided to do 4 originals and 2 covers. I've just taught myself people get ready by curtis mayfield so i might be using that as my second cover. I have also been thinking whether I should include the nina simone feeling good mashup i did from last year.

Band: This week we are still practicing the alternative shoegaze genre, just completing the song.

Portfolio: completed the portfolio all I have to now is to create some evidence within such as songs videos and artwork.

Support & promotion: The leaflet are finally completed and  they are posted all over college, the schedule is completed, social media promotion completed, but Kyrah and Eugene are still working on the list for the bar. My band have finally completed all songs and we have also included the bass on the 3 covers.

Month 3

Week 9

Solo: Im still working on the list changing a few bits and practicing. I'm trying to find a song that can prove my capabilities vocally and instrumentally.  I find it hard proving my full potential on both sides when i'm playing and singing at the same time, so I feel like I have to do separate songs to prove my techniques.

Band:

Portfolio: I'm using the time now to break down what i want to do in the next few months and also creating producing some of the song for my EXP ( Extended Project).

Support & promotion: |Our teacher gave us extra time for this whole week to practice with our band  we just went through all the songs. everything is completed except for moving the microphones and instruments down to the theatre, but we have decided that we are going to do it on the same day as the concert.

Week

Solo: I used the time to finish of my list and just organising everything with my backing vocalist.

Band: used the time to practice.

Portfolio: using this time to practice with my group.

Support & promotion: THE CONCERT after the concert all I have to do is evaluate the concert and post the evidence.

MONTH 4