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It goes further than that— The banjo, probably one of the instruments most closely associated with country and southern American music was derived from instrum
by 52-6F-62 8y ago
It goes further than that—
The banjo, probably one of the instruments most closely associated with country and southern American music was derived from instruments brought over by slaves from Africa.
It's pretty damned hard to escape African/African-American influence on any folk music traditions in the Americas, if that's even possible at all.
- beat 8y agoDrummer Steve Smith did a great dvd called "History of the American Beat", where he argues that all American music is derived from African rhythms. Swing, shuffle, and backbeat grooves are all expressions of a three-against-two polyrhythm, the simplest possible polyrhythm, and the essential character of west African music is polyrhythmic, while polyrhythms are rare in European music. If it rocks, swings, or shuffles, it's African in nature. It shows up in melody, too. Anything blues-derived, as opposed to diatonic, has African roots. Diatonic harmony was Europe's contribution to American music. Blue thirds and sliding sevenths were Africa's contribution.
- 52-6F-62 8y agoThanks, I'll have to check that one out. That all sounds about right to me.