Week 2: "West End Blues" by Joe Oliver
I did my post this week about this song because out of all the older, popular American genres, blues is easily my favorite (next to jazz). I think listening to a lot of R&B makes me appreciate it more because you can really hear the influence. The vibe you get from blues is just so different from most music today, and this unique timbre is really something I've always enjoyed. The song to me kind of comes out almost provocative and just smooth. When I think of mid to late 1900's music in America, this is the kind of music I think about. You could literally insert this song into any old classic movie and it would fit. I enjoy the rhythm of the piano and how the chords are always changing. I also like the improvisation vibe of what sounded like a cornet.
Joe Oliver and the pianist were obviously very talented, but I actually enjoy Louis Armstrong's version more. It does help that Armstrong came after Oliver so the recording was at a much higher quality but I think Louis put his own sound to it, which really turned out. I like the unexpected vocal that comes out halfway through Armstrong's song, it really matches the sound/ rhythm of the track and overall just adds to that classic blues vibe. I still respect Oliver's version though, especially because he taught Louis Armstrong a lot of things musically. It will be hard in future blogs to try to switch up the genres because there are so many more talented blues artists that came up in the 1900's, but I'm glad to start my series of listening blogs on such a beautiful piece.
Joe Oliver and the pianist were obviously very talented, but I actually enjoy Louis Armstrong's version more. It does help that Armstrong came after Oliver so the recording was at a much higher quality but I think Louis put his own sound to it, which really turned out. I like the unexpected vocal that comes out halfway through Armstrong's song, it really matches the sound/ rhythm of the track and overall just adds to that classic blues vibe. I still respect Oliver's version though, especially because he taught Louis Armstrong a lot of things musically. It will be hard in future blogs to try to switch up the genres because there are so many more talented blues artists that came up in the 1900's, but I'm glad to start my series of listening blogs on such a beautiful piece.
I 100% agree with you that this song could be inserted into any old timey movie and it would fit. I like how the piano is carrying the beat. The trumpet and the piano seems to take on the lead for a lot of the song which is pretty cool to hear.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I enjoy jazz as well. The thing that I like about this song is that it is so laid back and chill. I was a jazz pianist in high school and I can really appreciate what the pianist is doing and I also wish I was that good!
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