## *****What is it about the blues that says it's the blues (American)?*****
My question exactly. ##
Well, for the answer, and one which is applicable to the music of any country, a good place to start is the spoken language of that country. The relationship between the language and the music of any culture is well researched and documented. The music of many cultures closely follows the rhythm, patterns and both rhythmic and melodic contours of the language. In the case of the blues, not only are things like the harmony and form the direct descendants of European musical tradition, but the use of what defines the Blues melodically, the minor third and minor seventh, are found in the speech of most African countries. Coincidence? I doubt it.
My question exactly. ##
Well, for the answer, and one which is applicable to the music of any country, a good place to start is the spoken language of that country. The relationship between the language and the music of any culture is well researched and documented. The music of many cultures closely follows the rhythm, patterns and both rhythmic and melodic contours of the language. In the case of the blues, not only are things like the harmony and form the direct descendants of European musical tradition, but the use of what defines the Blues melodically, the minor third and minor seventh, are found in the speech of most African countries. Coincidence? I doubt it.