Americana Music is defined by the (AMA) as American roots music, based on traditions of Country and R&B. The music can be traced back to R&B mixed with (Elvis) Hillbilly or Rock & Roll, in this century. Americana in the radio format was developed in the 1990’s.
The concept was that some Artist and music did not fit comfortably in any certain genre of Country or Rock, so thru the efforts of Bob Bleetstein of San Francisco and Jon Grimson of Nashville, a radio format called Americana was developed. The Americana Music Association (AMA) was established later to expand the idea.
Americana music can be an amalgam (combination) fused by the confluence of the shared and varied traditions of what makes up American music. Specifically the sound that make up Folk, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll with some other external influential styles this according the Americana Music Association ( AMA).
Americana is sometimes referred to alt-country. The genre is also referred to “insurgent country, rockabilly, cowpunk, progressive country, regressive country, roots rock and many others. Whatever it is called the New York Times refer it as “the coolest music in the world today” Some of the most significant artist in Americana are the most significant artist in other genre.
Artist like Steve Earle, John Prine, Neil Young, Charlie Daniels, The Band, Lyle Lovett, Son Volt and Wilco, artist of today were influenced by the artist of yesterday like Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Louis Armstrong, and Eddie Arnold, Lester Flatt and Ernest Tubb, T- Bone Walker, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys to name a few.
Country Music
Genres of music that artist and music are considered Americana are: Traditional Country- is raw and unadorned (Hank Williams) the time period is from 1930’s-50. Jimmy Rodgers Classic Country-(George Jones, Loretta Lynn) more modern style of Traditional Country (1960’s -70’s) Buck Owens Honkey Tonk- fun blend of Classic & Traditional with up tempo (Merle Haggard)
Country Western- is a blend of old country folk tradition and Western expansion. Western Swing- Originated by Milton Browne and popularized by Bob Wills. Associated with dance like polka and waltz- Asleep at the wheel. Cowboy Country- Gene Audrey (Ghost riders in the Shy). Gospel-Part of Folk, Bluegrass and Blues tradition
Folk Traditions
Traditional Folk-Early Culture music that was handed down through generations. Mountain Music- related folk music from the mountains. Hillbilly-Mountain music mixed with traditional folk dance. Cajun- Music from the decedents of French speaking Catholics from Acadiana Canada living in southwest Louisiana. Zydeco- Evolved in Southwest Louisiana from Blues forms combined with Creole, French Cajun, African and Caribbean. New Folk- Singer-Songwriter Folk Rock- Rock & Folk mix
Bluegrass
Traditional- created and popularized by Bill Monroe Hard driving traditional acoustic-high vocal harmonies. Classic style- Earl Scruggs brought his 3 finger banjo picking to Bluegrass and created the sound that most people associate with today Dobro/acoustic style- a more modern sound with resophonic guitar. (Alison Krauss) Gospel- country, blues and folk tradition-bill Monroe Newgrass- derivative style based on improvisation
Blues
Country Blues-James Cotton-Ernie Hawkins Delta Blues-Robert Johnson Chicago Blues-Buddy Guy Gospel - also part of country and bluegrass-the Blind Boys of Alabama Blues Rock- Cream -Yardbirds Jazz--Charlie Parker Traditional-- Red Nichols Dixieland-- Louis Armstrong Swing- important here being the roots of Western Swing Benny Goodman-Count Basie
Rock
Rockabilly-mix of early rock and country for jump-step and swing Carl Perkins, Elvis Roots Rock- stray cats Classic Rock--60’s -70’s Boogie-Woogie--Jell roll Morton WC Handy AAA- Adult album alternative -pop music sophisticated
Alternative Style
Alt-country- in the US west refers to a milder singer-songwriter form of country music a melting pot of country and other styles -Dwight Yoakam Psyhcobilly - Very frantic combining hillbilly and country music-Mojo Nixon
references
Americana Radio Promotion
http://www.shuteyerecords.com/what_is_americana_music.htm
Country Roots Music .com
Jim Galloway - Professional Musician/Published Songwriter for 30 yrs. With over 200 Articles in Recording/Music Buisness/ Resources/Vintage Instruments
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