In previous articles I have talked about things I think are keys to kick starting a blues revival. You can find those articles here and here.. I won’t go too deeply into what has already been written, other than to say that “the blues” (a definition is in the first article listed) is at the heart and soul of American music, and has been since the 60s. Some of that has changed in recent years though and, as music becomes more “sanitized,” and “corporatized,” problems have arisen. I believe we are due for an inevitable revival in many ways and, just like with “British Invasion” of the late 60s and all that transpired after, American music needs a shot in the arm.
I also have written about things we can do in our communities to bring this music and sound back. One thing that I believe has always been at the heart of both the revivals and the music itself is collaboration. In fact, I believe the very nature and history of the music demands this and it has always been a key component of what makes the sound and energy unique. Mentorship, sharing, borrowing of themes, riffs and ideas, and even the very history and structure of the music itself, comes from this concept.
Origins: Roots of the Music
Part of this comes from the history and origins of the music itself, as people in forced and demeaning labor supported each other to survive–borrowing from their African roots with call and response chants in fields and other places they worked, prayed, celebrated and interacted. As the art form evolved, “call and response” became a literal aspect of the music itself. Pick most any blues song out there and pay attention to this—there is a theme within the song that is responded to, clarified and elaborated on. This is how the music works.
Legacy of the “British Invasion,” and Impacts on the Music
Keeping this in mind, as the music traveled around the world, aspiring artists, moved by the power and energy inherent in this art form, borrowed, put their own stamp on what they heard, and brought it back ultimately to the country of origin—the United States. Some of the first things these young British lads did was to seek out their music heroes and, in many cases, give them credit, stages to play on, and wider audiences and revived and and expanded careers. This interplay and collaboration built the music further and spread the “gospel of the blues” literally around the world. Amazing collaborative recordings became one product of these connections, but the music itself evolved, expanded and impacted everything it came in contact with. Entire new music genres evolved from this interplay, and music has never been the same.
Putting these Ideas into Practice Today
As we look for ways to revive this legacy, this history can give us some clues with regards to how we can proceed. Blues artists have always shared stages, interacted, borrowed and learned from each other and collaborated in many ways. Mentorship is part of my own story, and I think it may be the key way that the music carries on. As we look at our communities and music scenes, are we doing this now? Are there opportunities for connection and mentorship? Are there opportunities for interplay and interaction between players–on and off the stage? OR has competition and other destructive forces become a part of our worlds? Healthy music scenes encourage interplay and collaboration. In fact, it makes the music grow and ultimately benefits everyone—fans and artists alike. There is nothing more exciting than skilled players “cutting heads” on stage—literal on the spot improvisation. I have also written about how I believe intentional, hosted blues jams can literally be the heart and soul of a music scene. These events are where mentorship and learning opportunities take root, creative collaborations are born and so much more. If bands and players are not inviting other players on stage for these kind of interactions, major opportunities are being missed. If there aren’t efforts to build other platforms for interactions, I don’t believe music scenes can grow—even if there are blues events, festivals, etc. In fact, I have watched music scenes die in places where blues festivals and other concert events still happen, but where other local collaborations or other educational events have not been supported. Collaboration benefits artists, music venues, other events and festivals, but mostly insures that the music carries on for future generations.
Play on!
Join our Facebook page Real Blues You Can Use for more discussions on these topics. For in-person or virtual lessons, coaching and mentoring with Mark, contact him at: imwiththebandmz@gmail.com and visit his website at: www.im-with-the-band.org.
Mark Zanoni
I'm With the Band 