Since The Beginning:

Friday, April 20, 2012

Homework 3

Reggae, developed in the 1960s, is most easily recognized by the rhythmic accents on the off-beat. The tempo of reggae is usually slower than the popular Jamaican forms such as ska. It is this slower tempo, the guitar and piano off-beatsand the use of melodic bass lines which differentiates reggae from other music. “Get Up, Stand Up” composed by Bob Marley, performed by Peter Tosh with Bob Marley, is nearly 6 minutes in length. Bongo drums, a guitar, and keyboards are used to off-set each other for syncopated beats which reggae is so well known for. The rhythm is simple, the harmony and melody simple to grasp. The dynamics aren’t loud, they are more of a support system for the two men’s voices. The song and music stirs you in a way which makes one want to join in with the performers. It was okay for what it was, but not my cup of tea. Zydeco is what resulted from when Cajun music blended with the blues to be sung in French for people to dance to. When one hears the accordion and bass, it’s difficult not to start to dancing – which is probably what the “black” musicians living in the Cajun country had in mind in the first place. “Tu Le Ton Son Ton”performed and composed by Clifton Chenier is approximately 3 and a half minutes long. As any piece of zydeco music is expected, there are accordions and an electric bass with a quick tempo with a fast (but steady) rhythm. The melody is noted quickly as is the harmony. The dynamics are loud and while the mood is that of dancers on the street corner, I can’t help but twinge when listening to this piece. I really just can’t stand the accordion and this music is no exception. Salsa is dance music “Afro-Cuban style” which became popular in the 1970s and stuck around for the long haul. Using brass instruments, the occasional saxophone, and maracas alongside drums the music is syncopated in a way which makes you move without ever noticing when you started in the first place. “La Vida es un Carnaval” performed by Celia Cruz and composed by Victor Daniel is nearly 5 minutes long. The rhythm of the drums is steady and the harmony is beautiful. The melody is fantastic and the trumpet is amazing against the tuba and the singers’ wonderful voices. The dynamics are loud but not unruly, the mood created is upbeat. I absolutely love this song, the music, and Celia Cruz! Tex-Mex is dance music which is Mexican-based from the border of Mexico and Texas. It uses a special accordion and a 12 string guitar most commonly along with drums and occasionally a saxophone. “Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio” isperformed and composed by Flaco Jiménez, who performed this with Toby Torres alongside him. At just under 3 minutes long, it is nice to focus on the rhythm. The drums, accordion, and guitar work well together and I’m not distracted at all by my inability to understand most of what he’s singing. The melody and harmony are sweet, the dynamics aren’t too loud or quiet, and the mood is similar to that of a lullaby. It makes me tired, but in a good way. Mariachi is traditional Mexican folk music which became urbanized entertainment music in the twentieth century. Using violins, a “folk harp,” small guitars, bass guitars, and trumpets, voices are (usually) not too often used. “Árboles de la Barranca” performed by Nati Cano’s Mariachi Los Camperos is just under 3 minutes long. Composed by Nati Cano, the trumpets and guitar work well together and play off the violin in a way I can only describe as lovely. The drums create a rhythmic balance for one to dance to if they aren’t being swayed by the catching melody and striking harmony. The dynamics of the music itself are soft, whereas the vocals are strong and certain. In terms of mood, it ends leaving you on a happy note. I am all smiles about it.