Country & Western- Derived from folk music- Brought to the US by Anglo/Irish/Scottish settlers in the 17th-18th centuries- In the early part of the century, players referred to the style as “old time music”- In the 1920s, record executives referred to the music as “hillbilly music”- Bands were string bands (1900-1920)o Lead vocalisto 2-4 backup singers (rarely)o Fiddleso Acoustic guitaro Acoustic basso Possibly banjos, mandolins- Example: The Carter Family (AP, Sarah, and Maybelle)- Addition of a pedal steel guitar after 1931- 3 distinct styles of C&W after the 1920so Southern Countryo Bluegrasso Southwestern Country SwingSouthern CountryGeneral Characteristics:- Simple melodies (narrow range, uncomplicated surface rhythm)- Simple harmonic structures- Simple rhythms, clear meters- Use of two-beat bass- Little elaborate instrumental improvisation- Vocalists often have a nasal quality, slide from pitch to pitch; use yodeling technique- Texts often about unrequited love, jilted loversJimmie Rodgers (1897-1933); Blue Yodel (1927)“Father of Country and Western Music”Hank Williams (1923-1953); Move It On Over (1949)Southwestern Country Swing- Mixes elements of Southern Country with big band swing- Originated in the Texas string bands, late 1920s, early 1930s- To country string band, added:o Drumso Pianoo Steel guitaro (Often) horn section- Performed same repertoire as country band, but also included popular jazz, pop, and blues songs- Players encouraged to improvise- Influenced mainstream country with the use of drums, piano, and electric instrumentsBob Wills (1905-1975); Swing Blues No. 1
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