The Essence of Feeling in Blues Music

The question of what constitutes feeling in blues music is incredibly nuanced and multifaceted. To truly understand it, one must delve into the core elements of the genre and its emotional delivery.

Understanding the Style

Blues music, like any other genre, has its own unique interpretation and expression of feeling. At its core, feeling in blues music involves a spontaneous and fluent playing style that is deeply rooted in the genre's key elements. To start, one must learn the fundamental blues scales, both for guitar and other instruments, and immerse oneself in listening to a wide range of blues, rock, and other related genres. Many blues musicians today combine elements of Blues Rock, Old Rhythm and Blues, and Gospel to create a rich, emotive sound that resonates with listeners.

The Role of Tension and Release

The emotional depth of blues music is closely tied to the concept of tension and release. Anticipation and resolution form the backbone of emotional expression in music. This involves creating a sense of tension through the anticipation of a specific resolution, often achieved through specific notes or rhythmic patterns. In blues music, notes often come in before or after the beat, further intensifying the feeling of tension and release. Techniques such as bending on the guitar or using glissando can dramatically enhance the transition from tension to resolution, creating a more dynamic and emotionally engaging experience for the listener.

Comparing Blues to Other Genres

This question touches on two important facets: what constitutes musical feel in general, and what distinguishes the feeling of blues from other genres such as rock and country.

Musical Feel in General

Musical feel is a holistic concept that encompasses every aspect of a piece of music, including rhythm, melody, timbre, and recording techniques. In genres like blues, jazz, and rock, which are rooted in African-descended improvisational music, the emphasis is on having a strongly individualistic sound. Players in these genres are encouraged to showcase their unique note choices, rhythmic discrepancies, and timbiric nuances. This approach stands in contrast to classical music, where musicians are bound by strict rules about the correct way to play.

Blues vs. Rock: A Comparative Analysis

While blues and rock share many similarities, they diverge significantly in their emotional tone and performance style. Back in the 1950s, rock and roll was essentially faster and louder blues music. A comparison of Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry illustrates this distinction: Muddy Waters played slower, meaner, and sadder, evoking a sense of introspection, while Chuck Berry played faster, livelier, and happier, inspiring a sense of dance and party energy.

These differences in tone and performance style can be understood as a reflection of the different cultural and emotional contexts from which these genres emerged. The upbeat, party-oriented forms of blues evolved into what we now know as rhythm and blues (RB), funk, and rock. The styles that remained more rooted in the original blues sound continue to endure and inspire musicians and listeners alike.

In essence, the feeling in blues music is a complex interplay of tension and release, rooted in individualistic expression and a deep connection to the genre's historical and cultural context. By understanding these elements, one can appreciate the rich emotional landscape of blues music and its enduring impact on modern music.