Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Overview
Folk music has been the music of the people. This definition was taken from Ronald Cohen, in his book “Folk Music: The Basics”. I chose this simple definition so that the least constrictions would be put on defining who or what is involved in folk music. In doing so, I will gradually expose characteristics of different folk music to help the reader get their own sense of the folk music concept. This “exposing” will be done through the act of three playlists; women in roots music, the importance of Newport to folk music, and how folk music has changed in today’s contemporary music.
The folk revival occurred in the 1960’s time period, in response to the Civil Rights Movement arising in America. This revival was significant as it marked a point in time where folk singers began writing their own music. This change has been looked at as “another turn in the evolution of the genre.” (Ruehl). This change fueled the increase in popularity of both new and traditional style folk music. The women of American folk roots are the main focus of this playlist because the folk explosion of 1960 is one of the first times women were associated with the music, according to the American Folklife Center. It was during this movement when women branched out as individuals or groups to perform traditional and new compositions (American Folklife Center) and express their voice through their songwriting or songs.
Newport is a folk festival in Rhode Island that began in 1959. The importance of Newport to this collection of playlists is how the place helped to define what revival folk music is, and which genres it is related to. This folk festival is known for introducing many new performers that continued to become significant contributors to folk music. The festival was dedicated to “folk music in a situation free of the usual economic necessities… and to help preserve the traditions upon which the current revivals are based” (Pennell). Because of this, the songs were able to revolve around the same idea, escaping economic and social boundaries, forever altering the history of the music.
The contemporary playlist signifies the involvement of root music elements in today’s ever-changing and meshing folk music genre. By introducing the mixed folk genres of today (folk-rock, indie-folk, and anti-folk) it is possible to hear which influences are folk and which are “other”. This will create an important connection to help solve the question: What is folk music? A question that cannot wholly be answered.
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I am citing "Playlist#1 Folk Roots Music: Women" for question #1. I really liked how you focused this playlist on women because I feel that many times, in folk music, they get overlooked. This music really resonates with me because it was the music I grew up listening to. I would add to this playlist Joan Baez's version of "Joe Hill."
ReplyDeleteI am citing "Playlist # 3" for question #2. This kind of music is right up my alley so I’m really not sure why I never discovered it before but I am really happy that you have brought it to my attention. I had always dismissed folk music into a category with “oldies” type songs, but after listening to your contemporary playlist many of these songs are moving to the top of my list. I like the way the upbeat tempo complements the softer vocals.
ReplyDeleteI am citing “Folk Roots Music: Women” for question 3. Although I really like how you focused one playlist on women in this genre, some of the lyrics and sounds are not enjoyable for me. I like acoustic sounds and good vocals, however, these songs tended to be too slow for my taste. In addition, I’m not usually a fan of folk country music, which may have a factor in my preferences as well.
ReplyDeleteI am citing your "Contemporary Folk Music" playlist for question 2 of task 7. Although I found your comments and this list to be interesting, I doubt that I will explore this genre of music further. I do not regularly listen to folk music, and found no exception in this playlist, as the type of sound that is embodied in folk is not audiotopic for me.
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ReplyDeleteI am citing the Contemporary Folk Music playlist for question #1. Modern folk is a difficult genre to define, and I like the take you took on the subject. Many of these songs are in my own audiotopia, albeit billed under different labels (Indie rock, piano rock/pop, etc). While I would appreciate further clarification for some, I appreciate your connections between the folk music of the past and the current singer/songwriter genre of today, whatever we choose to call it. Perhaps I would have included something more folk-ey by John Mayer, in addition to the great list you created.
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