Listening Analysis in The Blues

During our study of the Blues, we have discovered many types of ensembles play the blues from many different periods of time. Identifying the ensembles can help to identify the period of time. What instruments do you find in a standard "Big Band"? THREE possible answers.

• Trumpet

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Trombone

• Saxophone

Answer explanation

The Big Band era saw the first mixed-race performance when an African-american Vibraphone player performed with a white American Big band. At that time, he was still not allowed to enter the theatre through the same door or ride on the same bus as a white person.

Which instruments would you find in a "Roots" Blues ensemble? TWO possible answers.

• Saxophone

• Guitar

• Trumpet

• Voice

• Flute

Answer explanation

"Roots" is another word for "original". So "roots" blues is the blues in its original form.

Which instrument is a strong indicator of the Rock'n'Roll era? (not found in any ensemble prior to 1938)

• Voice

• Double Bass

• Electric Guitar

• Saxophone

Answer explanation

BB King, a blues singer (and the singer of "Stormy Monday Blues") plays a guitar that is made by the original manufacturers of Electric Guitars - Les Paul

Which type of band can you hear in the recording?

• Big Band

• Roots Blues Ensemble

• Rock'n'Roll Band

• None of these answers are correct.

Answer explanation

This was a trick question! Johnny Cash was a very famous country singer. You can tell it is country because of the bass pattern (alternates between two notes) and the drums pattern which is not a swing pattern.

Which type of band can you identify in this recording?

• Big Band

• Rock'n'Roll band

• Country Band

• Roots Blues Band

Answer explanation

First example of Big Bands is the late 1920s but the most famous of Big Band music is from the 1930s. In the 1940s, Frank Sinatra became famous and the Big Band became more popular as a backing for singers.

Which type of band can you hear in this recording?

• Big Band

• Country Band

• Rock'n'Roll band

• Roots Blues Band

Answer explanation

This song is from the 1950s but was bought back to the public attention in the famous movie "Back to the Future".

What is the instrument improvising in this recording?

• Saxophone

• Trumpet

• Electric Guitar

• Organ

Answer explanation

This is BB King himself playing his Les Paul Guitar.

How would you describe the way in which the saxophones are playing?

• Smoothly in unison (together)

• Improvising as the response in a "call and response"

• Attacking loudly and suddenly

• Swinging in an eighth note swing pattern

How would you describe the way in which the Trumpets are playing?

• Smoothly in unison (together)

• Improvising as the response in a "call and response"

• Attacking loudly and suddenly

• Swinging in an eighth note swing pattern

What is the first wind instrument you hear in this recording?

• Muted Trumpet

• Saxophone

• Trombone

• Organ