-----Original Message----- From: Arto Wikla [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 5:23 AM To: Jon Murphy Cc: lute society Subject: Re: early country music
Hi Jon and all, on Thursday 25 March 2004 08:07, Jon Murphy wrote: >[...] In fact > almost all American folk is of European origin, Almost all, but not > all. The native Indian melodies have an oriental scale structure, > they aren't the drum and chant of the Western movies. And the music > of the old West incorporates some of it. I would not underestimate the African influence on American music... Al the best Arto Absolutely! Even though certain songs, such as "Old Bangum" ( Child No. 18, I think ) do come from England originally, the rhythm is straight out of Africa( well, it's certainly not out of Europe at any rate ) . For that matter, the banjo didn't originate in Europe, although no one is really quite sure where it did originate . The point is: Do away with the rhythm and/or the banjo and Appalachian music would sound like ...like.. European music! I'd say that Africa has had a very significant influence on American folk music This topic has been thoroughly discussed ( with a passion that would melt granite ) on Banjo-L. The archives are available. Here's a nice link which provides some information on Old Time music vs. Bluegrass with a reference or two concerning the ethnic makeup of Old Time music: http://www.dwightdiller.com/bluegrass.html I'm not an expert or a musicologist, but if you'd like to talk to someone who is, get hold of Dr. Feldman ( from the above link ) or contact Art Rosenbaum ( I believe he's currently at University of Georgia ). I'm sure they'd be a lot of fun to talk to on the subject. Before I close: I'm looking for other lutenists, viol players, singers, and any other early music type people in the Atlanta area. I'd like to determine if I have playmates here or if I'm doomed to a solitary existence. Oh well! Back to the 300th run through "Greensleeves" Stay well, my friends! Garry
