Author Question: Observe how the drums consistently emphasize the second and fourth beats of each measure. These are ... (Read 92 times)

lracut11 · **on:** Jul 25, 2018

Observe how the drums consistently emphasize the second and fourth beats of each measure. These are usually the weaker beats of a four-beat measure. Accenting normally unaccented beats or accenting notes that occur in between beats create what is called syncopation. Syncopation can add rhythmic drive to the music. Systematic syncopation on the second and fourth beats is called a back beat and is very common in blues as well as other popular Euro American music. What is syncopation and which words are syncopated in the third stanza (starting at 1:21) of Poor Boy Blues?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How does Lucas singing style compare to the black deacons vocal style in Amazing Grace (CD 1:17)?

What will be an ideal response?

morganmarie791 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Syncopation (or misplaced accents) refers to accenting beats that are normally unaccented or accenting notes that occur in between the beats. In stanza 3 of Poor Boy Blues (CD 1:26), Lucas syncopates
. . . age . . . a-round . . . been a poor boy. . . ain't caught. . . hell.

Answer to Question 2

The vocal styles are very similar, marked by a:
coarse, raspy, decorated melody
sliding between tonespurposefully out of tune on 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th scale degrees (blue notes)
free approach to meter
very expressive delivery
call-and-response pattern (in Poor Boy Blues between voice and the guitar)