07-Memphis Country Rock PDF

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Dr. Stephen Valdez created notes...

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Memphis Country Rock (Rockabilly) Rhythm & Blues elements: Emphasis on backbeat 12-bar blues format

Country & Western elements: Instrumentation (string bands) Strict rhythms Nasal singing style Pronunciation (accent)

Overall treble-dominated sound (twangy)

Instrumentation: Lead vocal Lead electric guitar Acoustic rhythm guitar Acoustic bass (slap bass, 2-beat) Drums, Piano (after c. 1956) Generally no backup singers

Lead guitar style: Bright, tinny character Corresponds with nasal vocal Primarily country-style picking (finger picking), secondarily on delta blues style (slide)

Vocal characteristics: Stuttering, yelps, cracked falsetto Sometimes slur words together Nasal singing

Other characteristics: Generally fast tempos Propelled by slapped bass Looser sense of rhythm than Haley, stricter sense of rhythm than New Orleans Recorded with natural studio echo Developed principally at Sun Studios, Memphis, TN (Sam Philips)

Important Performers: Elvis Presley Carl Perkins Jerry Lee Lewis Eddie Cochran Roy Orbison Gene Vincent Ricky Nelson

Elvis Presley (1935-1977) Influenced by several musical styles: Rural delta blues Urban blues Country & Western (Southern Country) Gospel (Black and White Gospel) Popular singers (Sinatra, Martin, Como)

Vocal style combines influences: Country: Clear pronunciation Southern accent Sense of melodic phrasing Hiccup, stutter (from yodel)

Rural blues: Vocal delivery (growls, blue notes) Sensual stage presence

White Gospel: Clear, four-part harmonies (backing)

Black Gospel: Exuberant performing style (shouting, etc.)

Pop singers: Crooning (slow ballads in low range) Wide vibrato Col. Tom Parker—manager

Scotty Moore, lead guitar Bill Black, bass DJ Fontana, drums The Jordanaires, backing vocals...