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Back fo this topic, as one with an MA in Ethnomusicology, OP: you could enroll in a program at a university and many professors would work with you to specialize in and write your MA thesis on a chosen, focused, and academically relevant aspect of Blues. But you'd also have to do all the other stuff the degree encompasses, all the other courses.
"Where'd you learn them ----- chords? Music School???
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I've got the misapplication of apostrophe... some folks online won't quotebox.. and it's illegal-to-smoke-in the-bar-so-there's-no-smoky-barrooms blues.
I don't deny the OP's idea that if there was a "history of blues" course at a music school a lot of people would like it (assuming a great professor was running the show)
however, if i was running a music department I don't think I would allot the time and resources to have this course exist - because offering a history of rock, or jazz, or conventional music history, would generate the most enrollment.
If it matters, the community college where I started out had an amazing history of rock course taught by an absolutely brilliant man. I never took it but nearly everyone I knew did, and I heard there was an extreme emphasis on the blues as a foundation. That's likely as close as you would get.
however, if i was running a music department I don't think I would allot the time and resources to have this course exist - because offering a history of rock, or jazz, or conventional music history, would generate the most enrollment.
If it matters, the community college where I started out had an amazing history of rock course taught by an absolutely brilliant man. I never took it but nearly everyone I knew did, and I heard there was an extreme emphasis on the blues as a foundation. That's likely as close as you would get.
Thank you for sharing such a great story! It was a pleasure reading it.
From the obituary, it sounds like Professor Linnemann worked diligently at making his passion into a full time thing. It's fascinating knowing and knowing about such people.
You realize me and any other people making this comment aren't making definitive statements about mental health right? We're making humorous commentary on "the blues" and the associated characteristics of "the blues" and blues music commentary. And basically every statement that has ever been made *can* be entirely false despite it usually being true. Lighten up.
Thanks! He was certainly one-of-a-kind. He especially loved harp players. His favorite contemporary group was Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers.
There are lots pf PhD's available in the history but there isn't enough pedagogical material for a performance degree (although places like NEConservatory 3rd Stream dept. might have an appreciation for what is authentic good blues vs what is commercial or unskilled low qual blues...)
You could write a book on just the influence of blues in Jazz, it would be 500 pages at least. You could go as far back as the kingdoms of ancient Africa and the pentatonic scale as far back as ancient Greece and Pythagoras. New historians are unearthing the real stuff these days and people are learning how to play Appalachian banjo which is closer to the African originals. Then there is the blues lore popularized by white American pop culture. That's a search for authenticity as well as skill.
You could write a book on just the influence of blues in Jazz, it would be 500 pages at least. You could go as far back as the kingdoms of ancient Africa and the pentatonic scale as far back as ancient Greece and Pythagoras. New historians are unearthing the real stuff these days and people are learning how to play Appalachian banjo which is closer to the African originals. Then there is the blues lore popularized by white American pop culture. That's a search for authenticity as well as skill.
Yes. Lighten up? Have you read most of my stupid, ridiculous responses and posts?
I wasn't hurt by it.
If you read my posts, humor generally outweighs actual helpful content- from my side.
The issue is that LOTS of people ( those who are living the " poor guy" blues) think- and this is across the board- not just TB- that "you make more than 97% of the US population- therefore you have no problems and no right to complain- thus, could not possibly " know the blues".
I would trade most of what I have now...most, not ALL
to have the friendships and relationships i had while making zero, sleeping on a classmate's couch while having a spouse clean out the bank account and pawning 10's of thousands of gear at pennies on the dollar to get a doctorate, all while your $500 starter and ignition goes out the day after that account was cleaned out
Your post could be humorous...but it touches on a significant aspect of class envy- that is VERY REAL and makes a lot of assumptions.
Try an emoticon next time.
The idea that people with money ( i dont have much... really, anything significant) don't have problems just as significant or even greater than a homeless person is just false.
The difference is some of us have seen both sides while most have only experienced poor.
My mental health is average- however that of spouses might be in question. Hard drugs are not for everyone, especially when the working spouse has excess resources.
Political and social rant over.
Not meant as a diatribe aimed at you but at a culture that actually believes your first post is reality.
Drinks, dinner and magic smoke , my treat if you ever get down this way.
Got to pay your dues if you want to sing the blues....
Ringo Starr
Which is ironic because that’s not a blues song, nor is he known for any blues.
Ringo Starr
Which is ironic because that’s not a blues song, nor is he known for any blues.
"Folk Blues" by Silverman is an excellent source I picked up long ago in a Borders Bookstore, I believe it can still be found online. There you will find stuff like "Payday at the Coal Mine" "Mule Skinner Blues" "Alberta Let Your Hair Hang Low" "Every Night When the Sun Goes In",
and my personal favorite folk blues, "Long Handled Shovel" (I was a laborer back in the day)
https://www.amazon.com/Folk-Blues-American-Compiled-Silverman/dp/B000G2Q9XO
that is not the edition I have, but I think it's the same book.
Also, if you don't know about it, look at MusicMaker Relief Foundation. I was fortunate enough to have met its founder around 12 years ago, and even sat in on a practice recording session with one of the featured artists. Taj Mahal, all those cats. The guitar collection alone (at the studio) had me like a kid in a candy store.
and my personal favorite folk blues, "Long Handled Shovel" (I was a laborer back in the day)
https://www.amazon.com/Folk-Blues-American-Compiled-Silverman/dp/B000G2Q9XO
that is not the edition I have, but I think it's the same book.
Also, if you don't know about it, look at MusicMaker Relief Foundation. I was fortunate enough to have met its founder around 12 years ago, and even sat in on a practice recording session with one of the featured artists. Taj Mahal, all those cats. The guitar collection alone (at the studio) had me like a kid in a candy store.
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This, and well said. Blues are my absolute favorite genre, but IMO there are already too many meaningless degrees out there. Especially narrow subjects (e.g. history of the blues rather than just history of folk music, or lesbian Hispanic heroin addict film theory rather than just film theory.) Much better that people demonstrate what they know, and teach it to others, than be able to point to a piece of paper validating that knowledge as measured by attendance and academic tests. Otherwise, advanced courses that teach advanced theory and difficult-to-master techniques are great and can be used to extend into any genre, but IMO we as a society have a strong tendency to make accomplishments out of non-accomplishments.
That said, have to admit that I too would love to take a degree-length blues music history curriculum when I retire. Hypocrisy, thy name is human.
- musically speaking, there are too many 'accidentals' in the blues that happen by virtue of feel (blue notes, superimposing minor over major, etc) is too inconsistent to have any regimented syllabus to go by....what accidentals work in one song may not apply to the next one
- a schooled degree in arts for blues is an oxymoron
- "feel" really can't be taught
- a schooled degree in arts for blues is an oxymoron
- "feel" really can't be taught
I see SBL is signing folks up for an Ed Friedland walking bass video study right now, I may have to jump on it. $97 unless an SBL member, drops the price to $77
I took a history of jazz class in college. Was an engineering major but needed liberal arts electives for my degree. This class was way better than some literature or history class.
It was well taught. Focused on the history, not theory or technique.
One thing I remember vividly: at some point in history, forget where or when, there was the case of a university, or a conservatory, or orchestra, I forget, but some outfit seriously involved with music. They were paying jazz lip service, but when pressed on it, said, well, it really just a simple art form, with no complicated time signatures or key changes, etc. The professor (i.e. the one teaching the course I was attending) presented how the jazz musicians responded to that: Specifically that "sure, the song are notated in standard timing, with notes of the 12-note chromatic scales that western music uses to describe variations in pitch, but that is not jazz. In jazz, timing is swung or otherwise altered. Notes don't fit into standard 12-note structure. There is a lot more than simple notation presents" It was actually in this course that first was taught (although I had intuitively understood it previously) the blue-note 3rd somewhere between minor and major third. This was presented in the context of jazz.
My point, other than to reminisce over what was a truly great course, is that the limitations that some are pointing out above about teaching blues also apply to teaching jazz (which is indeed taught).
I think the reason why music schools have jazz programs but not blues programs is that while both rely on these elements beyond classical western music, for jazz there really is a lot more technical information needed to be learned. Blues *is* jazz, but within the context of a limited number of modes and scales. The full spectrum of jazz covers a lot more.
There's a very good post by Bunk McNulty on Page 4 - post 71 that has the entire album " Moaning at Midnight " by Howling Wolf - the title cut starts it off and is all you need to listen to - to get an understanding of how complex blues music really can be . Three chords , a great vocalist and some world class players yields a very rich tapestry and one that most here would be very hard pressed to duplicate - no matter how simple the form may appear . Even a player as skilled as Eric Clapton has had trouble with his homage albums of blues standards sounding very pale [ no pun intended ] compared to the original recordings . Boz Skaggs on the other hand has done a very decent job at the same task . Of course your mileage may vary as opinions always do - however to write the blues off with cliches and simplifications is to ignore a very rich musical art form . It's as if you decry the simplicity of ' blues painting ' as merely applying 3 colors to a canvas but celebrate " Jazz Cubism " for it's complexity of form and color . It's all still "painting " feeling and thoughts whether in a hypnotic single chord drone by R.L. Burnside - a 3 chord stomp by J.L. Hooker or a jazzy uptown take by T Bone Walker .
I am reminded of a video of a ' cutting " contest of sorts involving Roy Buchanan and Albert Collins where they swap leads back and forth several times in a game of one upsmanship . Towards the end of the battle you can see Roy sweating a bit trying to figure out his next lead . It turns out he falls back on some standard riffs jumbled together . As he winds down you can see Albert look over with some bemusement - then crank out one shattering sustained note that runs perfectly back into the original melody and that battle is over ! Sometimes simple is all you need .... Kelly
I am reminded of a video of a ' cutting " contest of sorts involving Roy Buchanan and Albert Collins where they swap leads back and forth several times in a game of one upsmanship . Towards the end of the battle you can see Roy sweating a bit trying to figure out his next lead . It turns out he falls back on some standard riffs jumbled together . As he winds down you can see Albert look over with some bemusement - then crank out one shattering sustained note that runs perfectly back into the original melody and that battle is over ! Sometimes simple is all you need .... Kelly
I have a strong passion for the Blues.
What I have done is read biographies of the blues greats (Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters).
I started years ago on blues harmonica before switching to bass 18 months ago. I would intently study each artists styles.
I read articles and watch videos regarding the Blues, tying to absorb as much as I can.
Check out the movie Cadillac Records. It is about Chess Records in the '50s. The director did take some historic liberties in the story, but enjoyable, none the less.
Adam Gussow is someone to check out.
Modern Blues Harmonica | Online Harmonica Lessons and Tabs
"As a pioneering blues harmonica player and teacher and award-winning scholar of the blues, Adam Gussow has carved out a singular career. A professor of English and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi who specializes in blues literature and culture."
Adam has written books and taught courses regarding the blues. You could contact him for suggestions.
Here is a great video of Howling Wolf. Notice how he opens up even more once the empties start lining up on the table. You want a history lesson on the blues? Then listen to the Wolf talk.
What I have done is read biographies of the blues greats (Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters).
I started years ago on blues harmonica before switching to bass 18 months ago. I would intently study each artists styles.
I read articles and watch videos regarding the Blues, tying to absorb as much as I can.
Check out the movie Cadillac Records. It is about Chess Records in the '50s. The director did take some historic liberties in the story, but enjoyable, none the less.
Adam Gussow is someone to check out.
Modern Blues Harmonica | Online Harmonica Lessons and Tabs
"As a pioneering blues harmonica player and teacher and award-winning scholar of the blues, Adam Gussow has carved out a singular career. A professor of English and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi who specializes in blues literature and culture."
Adam has written books and taught courses regarding the blues. You could contact him for suggestions.
Here is a great video of Howling Wolf. Notice how he opens up even more once the empties start lining up on the table. You want a history lesson on the blues? Then listen to the Wolf talk.
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