The Roots of Rock

Roots of Rock American popular music a mixture of European, African, and Anglo-American folk influences “Primordial soup” from which emerges –Country –Jazz –Ragtime –Blues Rock combines influences of all

African Music Rhythm of primary importance Rhythmically complex –Each part has independent rhythm –cross-rhythms = rhythms working at cross- purposes Varied or complex tone colors Participatory

Ex. - Yoruban chorus Rhythmic layers –Stringed instruments –Clapping –Drums (on different parts) –Singers Rough texture Cross-rhythms Lots of singers

African-American Folk Music Elements of African music retained by slaves –Rhythm as, or more, important than melody –Work songs –Complex tone colors Combine with Anglo-American folk music to create African-American folk tradition

European Classical Music Harmonic accompaniment of vocal line Clear form Hierarchical division of rhythm –Melody dominates –But rhythm of accompaniment creates forward motion –Rhythms work together Ex. Woodman Spare that Tree

Anglo-American Folk Music Ballads, storytelling songs verse/refrain form simple melodies, narrow range nasal vocal quality Ex. Old Joe Clark

European Classical + Anglo- American folk + African- American folk = early American popular music

Minstrel Show First uniquely American popular music Elements of all three “roots” Ex. Boatmen’s Dance –Classical? –Anglo-American? –African-American?