Traditional Irish Music
It is believed that Traditional Irish music came about in the 8th century in Topographia, Hibernica. Traditional Irish music is a very social style of art, it is not uncommon for a group of people to bring instruments round to each others houses or even a pub. They would normally sit in a shape that is intimate and again social, such as a circle or semi-circle, thus giving a more relaxed feel to the meet.
I love the informal atmosphere that Irish folk music can create. I think it's a wonderful idea that people would bring instruments to somewhere like a pub or to a family gathering to play traditional tunes with whoever else brought their instrument. Even if someone in the family or presence of them whom are playing the instruments cannot play an instrument their-self, it is perfectly normal for them to join in by singing or even dancing. I think it is a really friendly and positive attitude to have towards music because it unites people who have them same interest whether that being music, energy or simply enjoying themselves. As i have been brought up in an Irish family, Irish music has been apart of my life for as long as i can remember. There was always Irish music being played around the house, whether it was traditional, instrumental tunes, an established band such as The Dubliners or The Pogues or even one of my relatives simply playing the tin whistle or accordion in our living room. My Granddad lent me some video tapes of some brilliant musicians that I would sing and dance to at a young age. I think the music has a very distinctive tone which is almost enchanting when you visit Ireland and you hear live music in a bar or restaurant. I believe that the Irish are one of the most patriotic people about their traditional music.
I love the informal atmosphere that Irish folk music can create. I think it's a wonderful idea that people would bring instruments to somewhere like a pub or to a family gathering to play traditional tunes with whoever else brought their instrument. Even if someone in the family or presence of them whom are playing the instruments cannot play an instrument their-self, it is perfectly normal for them to join in by singing or even dancing. I think it is a really friendly and positive attitude to have towards music because it unites people who have them same interest whether that being music, energy or simply enjoying themselves. As i have been brought up in an Irish family, Irish music has been apart of my life for as long as i can remember. There was always Irish music being played around the house, whether it was traditional, instrumental tunes, an established band such as The Dubliners or The Pogues or even one of my relatives simply playing the tin whistle or accordion in our living room. My Granddad lent me some video tapes of some brilliant musicians that I would sing and dance to at a young age. I think the music has a very distinctive tone which is almost enchanting when you visit Ireland and you hear live music in a bar or restaurant. I believe that the Irish are one of the most patriotic people about their traditional music.
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Unknown. Available at: http://www.thetemplebarpub.com/music.htm (Accessed: 11/12/13).
The picture above and the video below show what it is a common occurrence when playing the style of music, it is often very informal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqoSD1825yc
Livetrad (2012) Trad Sessions at the Fiddlestone: Traditional Irish Music from Livetrad.com. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqoSD1825yc (Accessed: 16/12/13).
When someone has the intention of learning an instrument in Ireland, they are usually advised to start on the Tin Whistle. I think it is appropriate to make a comparison between the Tin Whistle and the Recorder as the Recorder is usually the starter instrument for young people in England, is relatively easy to play and is similar to the Tin Whistle in the way that it is played. The Tin Whistle is a small wind instrument made out of tin (as the name suggests) with a plastic mouth piece in most cases. They are tuned to a particular key and come in a number of different sizes, the bigger the instrument; the lower it is in pitch. They normally deliver the melody of the music and have a very bright timbre although the timbre is also relative to the size of the instrument... the more the instrument increases in size, the darker it will sound.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/waltons-irish-tin-whistle
Unknown. Unknown. (Unknown) Waltons Irish Tin Whistle. Available at: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/waltons-irish-tin-whistle (Accessed: 11/12/13).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h9bsUGpAT8
SdeCiduus (2011) Tin Whistle - Irish Washerwoman / Laurel Tree. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h9bsUGpAT8 (Accessed: 16/12/13).
Another popular instrument in the style is the fiddle. The fiddle is the same as a Violin but is given the name "Fiddle" when playing Irish Folk Music. It is made of wood and is played by stroking a bow over the strings. The Fiddle has four strings and is not a fretted instrument. When applied in Irish Music, the Fiddle has quite a sharp/crisp sound. It will normally outline the body of the melody or sometimes harmonise with some of the other instruments giving the piece of music a very "green" colour. A fiddle or "violin" is a musical instrument used all around the world in many different genres. It is usually played whilst on your shoulder but can also be played whilst resting it in the joint of your arm; most Irish musicians will play the fiddle whilst resting it on their arm although not all of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roAbkQYvpAQ
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Wolff Brothers Viola. Available at: http://www.billycurrie.com/instruments.html (Accessed: 11/12/13).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roAbkQYvpAQ
The Accordion is another instrument that is relative to Irish Music. It is a box shaped instrument, and although it is a pitched/melodic, it can often be used to keep the groove. It is played by pushing the box together and pulling it apart which essentially allows air to move around the inside of the instrument and project out a sound. There are also keys and buttons on either side of the instrument which are pressed to determine pitch. The Accordion has quite a nazelly tone that is very distinct. The accordion is a polyphonic instrument which means you can play two or more notes simultaneously. This maybe one of the reasons it is usually used as a rhythm instrument; because you can play chords!
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Stephanelli 72 Bass Accordion. Available at: http://www.rikkismusic.com/Stephanelli-72-Bass-Accordion (Accessed: 11/12/13).
Hideron052 (2012) "Red Haired Lass" (Reel) - Button Accordion. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL4QSA1UUfE (Accessed: 16/12/13).
It is very popular for people to play the Banjo when playing Irish music. The Banjo is another stringed instrument, like the fiddle, but it is plucked with your fingers and is fretted. They usually come with 4 or 5 strings but normally, one of the strings on a 5 string Banjo will only go so far up the neck before it meets it's tuning peg, where as the rest of the strings will go up to the headstock. The body of the instrument is usually made of laminated wood with the hide of an animal acting as the soundboard. Like the accordion, the banjo will sometimes outline the rhythm of the piece. It has a very percussive tone with a lot of attack.
http://audio.thedelimagazine.com/production-tips-recording-the-banjo/
Unknown, Unknown. (2013) banjo [1]. Available at: http://audio.thedelimagazine.com/production-tips-recording-the-banjo/ (Accessed: 11/12/13).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6o_zpb2N44
Iarkinspub (2011) Live at Larkins Garrykennedy Irish Music Banjo Session. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6o_zpb2N44 (Accessed: 16/12/13).
http://www.westfieldguitar.co.uk/pandrhoward/prod_details.asp?ID=805
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Walton Bodhran Whistler. Available at: http://www.westfieldguitar.co.uk/pandrhoward/prod_details.asp?ID=805 (Accessed: 11/12/13).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChbigufBC8
Paul Marshall (2006) John Joe Kelly Bodhran Solo Irishfest - www.bodojo.com. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChbigufBC8 (Accessed: 16/12/13).
Now that we have looked at the instruments, we can explore the styles of Irish music that is played using the instruments.
The three most popular styles of Traditional Irish Music are:
Jigs, Reels and Hornpipes.
Jigs are normally wrote in a 12/8 time signature that really brings a "tap your foot" feel. A Jig is a very popular style of music for people to dance to in Ireland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo794YMsy1g
CELTIC JAZZ (2010) Irish Dance--Traditional Jig. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo794YMsy1g (Accessed: 16/12/13).
Reels are another style of folk music that have a "tap your foot" kind of feel although these are normally written in 4/4 timing or sometimes even 2/2. They normally follow a very simple form such as AABB structure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPG8J1ScTqY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6o_zpb2N44
Iarkinspub (2011) Live at Larkins Garrykennedy Irish Music Banjo Session. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6o_zpb2N44 (Accessed: 16/12/13).
The final instrument that I am going to talk about is the Bodhran. The Bodhran is a percussive instrument. It is made of wood with two crossed bars in the inside of the frame, Primarily for secure bracing but also works as a handle for the musician. The Bodhran has a skin over the front of the instrument (usually a goats skin), that is the part of the instrument that will be struck to create the sound. The instrument can either be struck by hand or with a piece of wood commonly known as a beater. The bodhran completely keeps the rhythm of the piece of music with a very deep but open timbre.
http://www.westfieldguitar.co.uk/pandrhoward/prod_details.asp?ID=805
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChbigufBC8
Paul Marshall (2006) John Joe Kelly Bodhran Solo Irishfest - www.bodojo.com. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ChbigufBC8 (Accessed: 16/12/13).
Now that we have looked at the instruments, we can explore the styles of Irish music that is played using the instruments.
The three most popular styles of Traditional Irish Music are:
Jigs, Reels and Hornpipes.
Jigs are normally wrote in a 12/8 time signature that really brings a "tap your foot" feel. A Jig is a very popular style of music for people to dance to in Ireland.
CELTIC JAZZ (2010) Irish Dance--Traditional Jig. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo794YMsy1g (Accessed: 16/12/13).
Reels are another style of folk music that have a "tap your foot" kind of feel although these are normally written in 4/4 timing or sometimes even 2/2. They normally follow a very simple form such as AABB structure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPG8J1ScTqY
Hornpipes are another style that are written in 4/4 time signature but often in swung 4/4 which is why it is also a popular style of music for people to dance to. It is normally written at a slower tempo than a Jig or a Reel which gives it it's defining sound.
Heather Cline (2011) Irish Hornpipe. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0gQG4xrazw (Accessed 16/12/13).
Irish music has travelled and found it's way around the world, meaning that there are many Irish songs and tunes that are popular in lots of different countries, particularly England and America.
There are lots of famous Irish songs that are world renowned and have been performed by some of the worlds most famous and well respected Musicians of their area/genre.
Here is a video of John Sheahan, an Irish musician who played the fiddle in an incredibly famous Irish band called The Dubliners, playing The Irish Washerwoman, which is a very old yet timeless (in my opinion) traditional Irish tune, with a very well respected and world famous conductor and violin player named Andre Rieu who has been dubbed "king of the waltz"
HuxxNL (2008) The Dubliners & Andre Rieu - Irish Washerwoman. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aZJtmJkAFQ (Accessed 16/12/13).
The style of music is moving with the times, there is still true and traditional Irish music being played today, but lots of musicians have also added some Irish elements into styles and genres that you wouldn't initially expect such as:
MetallicaTV (2009) Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar [Official Music Video]. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boanuwUMNNQ (Accessed: 16/12/13).
And Flogging Molly as they include Irish instrumentation and melodies in to Rock music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89NjEeHku8o
sideonedummyrecords (2008) Flogging Molly - "Drunken Lullabies" (official video). Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89NjEeHku8o (Acessed 16/12/13).
References:
Thomas Forester and Thomas Wright. (2000). Giraldus Cambrensis, The Topography of Ireland . Available: http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/topography_ireland.pdf. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Andrew Potterton . (2013). Copy of Irish Folk Music. Available: http://prezi.com/voxb28vnlc5u/copy-of-irish-folk-music/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Traditional Indian Music
Indian folk music is very different to western music that we may be familiar with. There are differences not only within the final product of the music itself, but differences in the ways that it is to be written and performed. Indian folk musicians will normally bow to the audience and then bow to their instrument as a form of respect before sitting on the floor to play it. I think that this is a beautiful way to show respect to the instrument that you are playing and also showing respect to the audience to whom you are going to perform to. Bowing to the audience also shows a sense of modesty. Presenting yourself in such a way that suggests although "I am the performer and you are the audience, we are all here for the love of music and spirituality".
"In our culture we have such respect for musical instruments, they are like part of god" Ravi Shankar . (2001). Ravi Shankar Quotes. Available: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/ravi_shankar.html. Last accessed 03/11/13.
When exploring Indian folk music as a whole, it's quite difficult to not come across the name Ravi Shankar and thus talk about this monumental person. Ravi Shankar is an Indian musician, composer and performer who is not only well known in India, but is extremely popular and respected world-wide. He took an interest in music at a very young age. At 12 years old Ravi started to perform as a dancer on a tour in Europe and America. Ravi is renowned for writing the song "Sare Jahan Se Accha, which is the most widely known piece of music in India, second only to the national anthem". UCSD bio. (2013). Biography for Ravi Shankar. Available: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788170/bio. Last accessed 14/11/13.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788170/bio (reference for paragraph above)
I think Ravi Shankar is a very focused player who puts a lot of heart and emotion into his sitar playing and composition writing. He projects a very powerful voice when playing which is truly captivating and very easy to appreciate. His musical stamina and his ability to sustain "life" and energy through a piece of music that is over 20 minutes long is astonishing.
Considering the differences between Western and Indian music that we have already talked about, it isn't surprising that their are massive differences in the instruments that are used to play the music.
Perhaps the most well known instrument from India is the Sitar. The sitar is a melodic, stringed instrument which is normally played with "a wire finger plectrum called Mizrab" [Chandrakantha Courtney and David Courtney. (05/02/2012). The Sitar: an overview. Available: http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/sitar.html. Last accessed 03/10/2013.. Last accessed 03/10/2013.]
It has between 3 to 4 strings that are played to create melody and another 3 to 4 strings that are used to create drones. The sitar also has a number of strings that lay underneath the frets, they aren't conventionally plucked but do vibrate when the instrument is being played.
It is common for the musician to bend the strings of the Sitar to give it it's distinctive sound. It is a very bright sounding instrument with a lot of attack.
Biggi Bechtold (2012) Music Session / Indian Sitar Music Sounds / Longlistening 1h24 / Chill Out / Relaxation. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgctT-rm3go (Accessed 16/12/13).
Another popular instrument in Indian folk music is the Tabla. The Tabla is both a percussive and melodic instrument. Tabla is a set of two drums, each are played with separate hands; The smaller drum that is played with the right hand is called Dayan, and the larger drum that is played with the left hand is called Bayan. There are lots of materials that make up the drums such as: clay, copper, iron, steel and brass just to name a few. The Tabla projects a number of different tones, it has a low wobble sound (created by Bayan), a percussive bright sound (created by Dayan) and an extremely bring "bell" like sound which is created by the two black spots in the centre of each drum.
http://artdrum.com/TABLA.HTM
punjabiprinze (2008) Ustad Zakir Hussain -- Vintage Teenal Solo. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbDofgD04dc (Accessed 16/12/13).
The Bansuri is another instrument associated with traditional Indian music. The Bansuri is a wind instrument, it is very similar to a flute but is made of wood which gives it's distinguishing tone. The Bansuri is made from of a piece of hollowed-out bamboo. Normally, the Bansuri will come with either six of eleven finger holes. They are not made in any particular key and when played; it is popular for people to play long notes with runes in between, harmonising with and outlining the melody. The Bansuri has a very organic/hollow/dark timbre.
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Assam Profesional Bansuri in G 25.5". Available At: http://www.buckinghammusic.com/bansuri/Assambansuri.html (Accessed: 11/12/13)
Bansuriflute (2006) Raga Shivranjani on Bansuri (Indian Bamboo Flute). Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QuDEx3_Ygo (Accessed 16/12/13).
As well as Indian instrumentation being different to Western instrumentation, there are lots of other differences within the music such as the use and names of notes, melodies and rhythms.
In Indian music, the Sitar will usually play the melody or raga. Raga is a scale of notes used with in the music, there are over two hundred types but one that is very popular is the major scale. The Indian major scale is spelt
Sa = Do
Re = Re
Ga = Mi
Ma = Fa
Pa = So
Dha = La
Ni = Ti
Sa = Do
Different scales make up for different ragas.
Although the notes essentially correspond to the notes in western music, they are not exactly the same. Indian folk music consists of half sharp, double sharp and bent notes, but still given a particular name within the scale.
In traditional Indian music, what we know as the "rhythm" section is called "Tal"
Tal is played on the Tabla. The first beat of the cycle is called Sam. Tintal is the most common pattern in indian folk music, there are four sections with four beats per section.
Another interesting thing about the indian culture or music/film/media in general is Bollywood. Bollywood is an informal nickname assigned to the Indian film industry, it is of course a play on the word "Hollywood" with the letter "B" coming from the word "Bombay" which is a huge city in India. Bollywood surprisingly produces twice as many films per year as Hollywood.
Bollywood first started in 1899 when they released silent movies. Some of the structures and plots for the films weren't that different to English movies in the sense that Bollywood usually committed to a standard "boy meets girl scenario but then struggles and fights for parental and family approval" but what is interesting is that it wouldn't be uncommon for actors to be shooting multiple movies at a time using the same backdrop/ set and using the same costumes. Bollywood scripts are even sometimes written by hand!
Arjun Rampal is a big name in Bollywood, as factually incorrect as it may be compare tow human beings, Arjun Rampal is essentially the Indian equivalent to somebody like Brad Pitt. I mean that in the sense that they are both actors, models, married to one of the most popular and most beautiful female names in there culture and generally represent a "heart throb" status.
Arjun Rampal started as an actor in 2001 but as Bollywood grew, so did his career as now he is a super model and a television presenter whilst still acting in many films within the industry.
Unknown, Unknown. (2010) Unknown. Available at: http://www.topnews.in/tree/l/Arjun+Rampal (Accessed: 11/12/13)
Many people of India have been brought up on musicals so if the music in a particular film isn't very satisfying, the movie sometimes won't sell as well as if the music was good. Indian dance choreographers are now starting to produce films, thus dancing in Bollywood is becoming more and more crucial.
References:
Unknown. (Unknown). What is Bollywood?. Available: http://www.bollywoodnewsworld.com/whatisbollywood/. Last accessed 10/12/13.
In Indian music, the Sitar will usually play the melody or raga. Raga is a scale of notes used with in the music, there are over two hundred types but one that is very popular is the major scale. The Indian major scale is spelt
Sa = Do
Re = Re
Ga = Mi
Ma = Fa
Pa = So
Dha = La
Ni = Ti
Sa = Do
Different scales make up for different ragas.
Although the notes essentially correspond to the notes in western music, they are not exactly the same. Indian folk music consists of half sharp, double sharp and bent notes, but still given a particular name within the scale.
In traditional Indian music, what we know as the "rhythm" section is called "Tal"
Tal is played on the Tabla. The first beat of the cycle is called Sam. Tintal is the most common pattern in indian folk music, there are four sections with four beats per section.
Another interesting thing about the indian culture or music/film/media in general is Bollywood. Bollywood is an informal nickname assigned to the Indian film industry, it is of course a play on the word "Hollywood" with the letter "B" coming from the word "Bombay" which is a huge city in India. Bollywood surprisingly produces twice as many films per year as Hollywood.
Bollywood first started in 1899 when they released silent movies. Some of the structures and plots for the films weren't that different to English movies in the sense that Bollywood usually committed to a standard "boy meets girl scenario but then struggles and fights for parental and family approval" but what is interesting is that it wouldn't be uncommon for actors to be shooting multiple movies at a time using the same backdrop/ set and using the same costumes. Bollywood scripts are even sometimes written by hand!
Arjun Rampal is a big name in Bollywood, as factually incorrect as it may be compare tow human beings, Arjun Rampal is essentially the Indian equivalent to somebody like Brad Pitt. I mean that in the sense that they are both actors, models, married to one of the most popular and most beautiful female names in there culture and generally represent a "heart throb" status.
Arjun Rampal started as an actor in 2001 but as Bollywood grew, so did his career as now he is a super model and a television presenter whilst still acting in many films within the industry.
Many people of India have been brought up on musicals so if the music in a particular film isn't very satisfying, the movie sometimes won't sell as well as if the music was good. Indian dance choreographers are now starting to produce films, thus dancing in Bollywood is becoming more and more crucial.
References:
David Courtney. (2012). The Sitar: An Overview. Available: http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/sitar.html. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Andrew Potterton . (2013). From East to West: Indian Classical Influences on Western Rock. Available: http://prezi.com/5tyzhq2ctycs/from-east-to-west-indian-classical-influences-on-western-rock/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Andrew Potterton . (2013). Indian Classical Music Presentation.Available: http://prezi.com/hbgq54x2bw5d/indian-classical-music-presentation/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Unknown. (Unknown). What is Bollywood?. Available: http://www.bollywoodnewsworld.com/whatisbollywood/. Last accessed 10/12/13.
Unknown. (Unknown). Arjun Rampal. Available: http://www.koimoi.com/actor/arjun-rampal. Last accessed 10/12/13.
Unknown. (Unknown). What is Bollywood?. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/2003/bollywood/newsid_2683000/2683799.stm. Last accessed 08/12/13.
Unknown. (1990-2013). Biography for Ravi Shankar. Available: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788170/bio. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Traditional West-African Music
West-African folk music is a very powerful style of art. It is normally played and performed adjacent to dance, the two commonly go hand in hand. The style is particularly simple in terms of melody but is remarkably complex in terms of the rhythms that are used. Most West-African folk music will have a more than one rhythm being played simultaneously, these are known as polyrhythms.
The video below shows a group of people demonstrating some polyrhythms in an African style.
Unknown (2013) Unknown. Available at: http://www.african-drumming.co.uk/woodwind-instruments.html (Accessed 16/12/13).
A lot of the instruments that are used are hand made, usually by crafting pieces of nature.
Some of the most popular instruments in the West-African style are the wind instruments such as African pan pipes or flutes. They are popular because most of the instruments are hand made and these or some of the easiest to make, as well as having a very beautiful/organic timbre.
The wind instruments are primarily the melodic instruments of the style although the melodies are often very simple and are sometimes only used to add "colour" to the music.
The wind instruments are primarily the melodic instruments of the style although the melodies are often very simple and are sometimes only used to add "colour" to the music.
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Unknown. Available at: http://www.simbacraftware.com/african-instruments/wood-sculpture-djembi-double-face-shadow.html (Accessed: 11/12/13)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyTlP9_3qJA
Brad White (2006) How to play Pan-Flute. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyTlP9_3qJA (Accessed 16/12/13).
https://wikis.engrade.com/thefluteandotherinstrume
Brad White (2006) How to play Pan-Flute. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyTlP9_3qJA (Accessed 16/12/13).
https://wikis.engrade.com/thefluteandotherinstrume
Unknown, Unknown. (Unknown) Unknown. Available at: https://wikis.engrade.com/thefluteandotherinstrume (Accessed: 11/12/13)
Rolf Pechukas (2010) African wood flute improv. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCp9pwZjvng (Accessed 16/12/13).
A lot of the stringed instruments that are used are normally amplified with a gourd working as a resonator. A gourd is usually a piece of wood that has been hollowed out that lets vibrations move around it thus making the instrument louder.
http://kalimbamagic.com/newsletters/newsletter4.07/new_products.shtml
http://kalimbamagic.com/newsletters/newsletter4.07/new_products.shtml
Holdaway, Mark. (2009) Deze Resonator Gourds From South Africa. Available at: http://kalimbamagic.com/newsletters/newsletter4.07/new_products.shtml (Accessed: 11/12/13).
Although all of the instruments that have been mentioned are beautiful and have a lot of history within African music, the heart of the music really lays within rhythm and percussion. West-African music is very rhythmically driven. There are many percussive instruments within the style, all of which have an individual personality that really reflects throughout a lot of West-African folk music. There are lots of Polyrhythmic features to the style which can be quite understandable considering the amount of percussion that occurs.
Although all of the instruments that have been mentioned are beautiful and have a lot of history within African music, the heart of the music really lays within rhythm and percussion. West-African music is very rhythmically driven. There are many percussive instruments within the style, all of which have an individual personality that really reflects throughout a lot of West-African folk music. There are lots of Polyrhythmic features to the style which can be quite understandable considering the amount of percussion that occurs.
The Dondo Drum (aka "the talking drum) is used a lot in African music because of it's ability to change pitch by squeezing a rope on the side of the instrument, this allows the instrument to have a number of different sounds making it a more versatile choice of percussion.
Unknown, Unknown. (2006). Brown Handcrafted Dono Drum. Available at: http://www.simbacraftware.com/african-instruments/wood-sculpture-djembi-double-face-shadow.html (Accessed: 11/12/13)
whiteprophet (2007) Male' and the talking drum from africa. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDfn9t2zG4 (Accessed 16/12/13).
As mentioned before, West-African folk music is an extremely powerful art. It is believed that "music is power". In the west we usually use music as a source of entertainment and is often seen as a business rather than an art and this is what makes western music completely different to West-African music. It is a very respected system of communication in many ways. One of the most amazing ways that people used to communicate during the slave trade was through music, using complex but direct and projected metaphors for other slaves and prisoners to understand without the white people being able to relate. They used chanting and "banging" to help feel a sense of harmony within their community and in such a way that everyone could take part. Music in it's self can be universally understood no matter what language someone speaks or understands. This also gives it great meaning and power, it gives off an energy that is larger than anything else that we could comprehend. West-Africans would use music to connect to a higher being such as a god, spirit or even a certain feeling that is a higher being like freedom or happiness.
It is performed in times of conflict in the hope that people see reason and rationality. Music can be intensely captivating, this means that it is a great way for people to make sure that their voice and points are heard. People sing songs of praise and worship but also sing songs of desperation and hope. It is used to release specific endorphins that can not be released in any other way. It is not usually (sometimes, but not usually) performed in a western manner, where a piece of music is directly related to a particular musician, but to be performed purely for the purpose of the music it self. There isn't any particular fame or status when writing or performing great music in West-Africa, but is appreciated in a way that is focused purely on the music as a posed to the performer.
It is performed in times of conflict in the hope that people see reason and rationality. Music can be intensely captivating, this means that it is a great way for people to make sure that their voice and points are heard. People sing songs of praise and worship but also sing songs of desperation and hope. It is used to release specific endorphins that can not be released in any other way. It is not usually (sometimes, but not usually) performed in a western manner, where a piece of music is directly related to a particular musician, but to be performed purely for the purpose of the music it self. There isn't any particular fame or status when writing or performing great music in West-Africa, but is appreciated in a way that is focused purely on the music as a posed to the performer.
Bob Marley was a huge figure in the West-African culture. Many people saw Bob as a prophet and was a massive icon for the African public. Bob wrote revolutionary music which unified people of all race, colour and creed. He wrote powerful music about "fighting ism and scism" [RexRuff. (2013). The Bob Marley Influence and Legacy. Available: http://www.bobmarley.com/life_and_legacy_legacy.php. Last accessed 17/11/2013.]
Bob was a great innovator of music being one of the first people to address freedom and unity in the form of song. Bob had a great philosophical mind set which let to a lot of people seeking wisdom and advise from him.
Bob was a great innovator of music being one of the first people to address freedom and unity in the form of song. Bob had a great philosophical mind set which let to a lot of people seeking wisdom and advise from him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFGgbT_VasI
Henry Castro (2007) Bob Marley - redemption song acoustic. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFGgbT_VasI (Accessed 16/12/13).
Henry Castro (2007) Bob Marley - redemption song acoustic. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFGgbT_VasI (Accessed 16/12/13).
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain" [Bob Marley. (2013). Bob Marley > Quotes. Available: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/25241.Bob_Marley. Last accessed 21/11/13.]
I love the culture of African music for many reasons, The main reason being, much like in India, there is little music written or performed with the primary intention of gaining wealth or fame. The music is written and performed purely for the sake and love of music itself. In the west we hear a lot of commercially regurgitated music because it is played on lots of the main radio stations and popular television channels and programmes. Although not always because every recording contract will have different clauses, but a lot of the time the music that we are widely exposed to has been recorded or will be performed by musicians that have had very little control over the final product. The producer or label will normally decide on the creativity of the song and their decisions will normally be based on what will make the most money. Relying on old or traditional compositional and recording techniques will retain the familiarity that a lot of the public subconsciously enjoy. Repetition and "catchy hooks" are a great way to make money from music. With West-African music and again, Indian music, there seems to be no thought of financial profit gone into the song writing but subjectively singing about much more important matters. I believe that love, peace, belief and freedom are all more important than wealth or fame which is why I am truly enchanted by the music from these countries, so much so that familiarity and a love for a "verse - chorus"structured song are possibly the only factors that make me hold on to western music more than I do any other style.
References:
Andrew Potterton . (2013). Music, Conflict & Fela Kuti. Available: http://prezi.com/tguipsytwuqf/music-conflict-fela-kuti/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Andrew Potterton . (2013). West-African Music. Available: http://prezi.com/i5zu065q3pce/west-african-music/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Andrew Potterton . (2013). West African Music and Dance. Available: http://prezi.com/ci7nnhwacqtc/west-african-music-and-dance/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Last accessed 21/11/13.
Unknown. (2013). Bob Marley > Quotes. Available: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/25241.Bob_Marley. Last accessed 21/11/13.
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