LS 179 - The Art of the Blues - Sinclair
Last updated 8/19/05.
You are to compose a blues, or "make a blues" as country blues musicians were apt to say, for our next class meeting.
You are to avoid the following blues clichés, concepts and words that we have identified as trite and overused in the blues vernacular. In a pinch, you may use one of these words or ideas, but only in a pinch. Above all, be original and creative.
Baby
Left/Leaving/Gone
River
Jesus/Lord/Devil
Want/Need
Drink/Alcohol
Cocaine
Woman/Man
Relationships
Death/Suicide
Hard Times
Working
Railroad
Jail/Prison
Money (Lack thereof)
Depression
Gambling
Heaven/Hell
Religion/Redemption
Cheating
Door/Window
Sun/Moon
Voodoo/Black Magic/Hoodoo
Guns/Hanging/Pills
Walking/Running
MS/Delta/Bayou/LA/GA/Cities/Towns (e.g., N.O.)
Be prepared to turn in a word-processed draft on Aug. 25. Please include all group members' names on the draft you turn in.