UNIT 3

RAGGA-MUFFIN

term to describe 'rude' (cool) music

The primary colonizers of the region of the Caribbean were...

the Spanish, French, and British - One of the key differences between Spanish/French and British rule is related to religion. - While all were predominantly Christian, the former followed Roman Catholic beliefs, while the British, who dominated the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad in its most recent history, were primarily Protestant.

WHAT is beyond reggae in a nutshell?

DUB: Instrumental version of a reggae/rock steady recording Riddims Toasts RAGGA-DANCEHALL: Absence of "skank" rhythm Dance oriented with faster tempo Lyric themes largely absent of social message

SEAN PAUL

Jamaican dancehall rapper, singer and record producer. - 'Get Busy' - exemplifies dancehall style with English lyrics and Jamaican slang, heavy dance beat and minimal melodic or harmonic accompaniment.

BUNNY WAILER

Original member of the band Bob Marley and the Wailers

Remember ____________ is from Trinidad, NOT Jamaica!

PAN (steel drum)

RIDDIMS

Percussion rhythm and bass melodic pattern in reggae, dub, and Jamaican dancehall music

__________________________ is the result of the evolution of Jamaican popular music from mento to ska to rock steady and then _____________________.

REGGAE

___________________________________ is probably the most widely known popular world music, but its roots are strongly related to Calypso, which is lesser known

REGGAE

PETER TOSH

Winston Hubert McIntosh. Important in developing reggae's musical and political profile. Protested inequality political action or through his performances. Some of his songs are Get Up, Stand up... Legalize it... No Nuclear War.

WHAT does the carnival event represent and what do they do at the festival?

it is a farewell celebration to such pleasures that take place before lent (ex. eating certain foods, etc.) - people indulge in music, dance, food, drink and other things. - originated in Trinidad, people wear masks and costumes .

WHAT is the evolution chart of reggae?

mento------>ska------>rock steady----->reggae

WHAT are the main points about SKA?

"City" instruments -----Jazz influence -----Vocals de-emphasized "Skank" rhythm and dance - Focus Example - "Guns of Navarone

WHAT are the main points about Mento?

"Country" instruments ------Rumba box Melodic/lyric hook Upbeat rhythm Focus Example - "Woman's Smarter" -----Verse-Chorus-Instrumental form -----Witty social commentary

WHAT are the main points on Rock Steady?

"Rude" attitude Slower tempo

WHAT are the main points to know about the colonists and carnival?

*COLONISTS* Spanish, French & British Colonialists Slave Trade ---Indentured Servants *CARNIVAL* Roman Catholic Lent Carnival around the world

FOCUS EXAMPLE: ONE LOVE , BOB MARLEY

- "One Love" is a good example of Marley's ability to weave both peace and protest into his lyrics. - The lyrics can be interpreted in a variety of ways. - I've highlighted a few of the musical elements heard in the song that are common to reggae music in general, such as the "One Drop" beat, "Skank" syncopation, and moderate "walking" tempo of the music. - You should also take a moment to compare the track with the earlier Jamaican popular music styles we've discussed, i.e., mento, ska, and rock steady. - Note the placement of the skank upbeat relative to the overall rhythm. - In many ways, reggae harkens back to mento both musically and in its effort to offer social commentary - albeit much more profound in reggae - that is largely absent in the ska and rock steady styles

SKA CHARACTERISTICS

- "skank" rhythm in this big band sound, which helps to identify it as a Jamaican popular music. - Vocal performance often did take place along with the ska bands, but was considered on equal or lesser terms than the ensemble rather than as the "soloist" with accompaniment.

JIMMIY CLIFF

- 'The Harder They Come' - helped popularize Jamacian music with the movie across America - While Jimmy Cliff had some minor success prior to the release of The Harder They Come, his newfound international appeal prompted Chris Blackwell, owner of Island Records, to seek out more reggae artists for his label, which included Cliff on its roster.

RASTAFARIAN MOVEMENT

- A religious belief system centered in Jamacia which purports that the second coming of Jesus Christ has already occurred in the form of Halie Selassi, an Etheopian King - Founded in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica - Millennial thought - Elements of black nationalist ideology and "liberation theology" - Attempted to lift up African Diaspora of the Caribbean our of poverty and despair and inspire African pride - Influenced by writings of Marcus Garvey - Smoking marijuana or "ganga" - Wearing one's hair in dreadlocks - Vegetarian

WHAT happened after the wailers broke up?

- After the Wailers broke up, Tosh and Wailer pursued solo careers apart from Island Records. - The I-Threes, which included Marley's wife, Rita, replaced them as backup vocalists. - The new "Wailers" continued to record with Island Records and found great success with albums like Rastaman Vibration and Exodus. - As with many of Marley's songs, there are numerous spiritual references to Marley's adherence to the Rastafari Movement.

HARRY BELAFONTE

- Calypso Singer - evoked romantic spirit of the Caribbean in his songs 'Brown Skin Girl', 'Jamaica Farewell', and 'Day-o (the banana boat song)' - some of these songs are the staple of American pop culture - helped produce many movies and even the song "We are the World' - helped popularize and normalize Calypso - highly regarded as a political and humanitarian activist - Calypso (1956). This album was hugely successful just prior to the explosion of Elvis Presley on the American popular music scene. Songs like "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" are still well-known today and the album helped to spur greater interest in Caribbean folk and popular styles.

CARNIVAL

- Carnival is celebrated in various forms throughout the Caribbean and other parts of the world, e.g., Mardi Gras in New Orleans. - A YouTube search for "Trinidad Carnival" should yield several clips to demonstrate the celebration in Trinidad - Carnival today is one of the most popular festival events in the world. You'll find it celebrated throughout the Caribbean, Americas, Europe, Australia, Africa and even Eastern Asia. - For most, the event has lost its religious association, but it has always been a secular event anyway. - Its popularity has helped to make the associated music of calypso, pan (i.e., steel drum), samba from Brazil, and other Caribbean musics well-known throughout the world.

WHERE did the steel drums/pans originate from?

- First made from 55-gallon steel drums brought to Trinidad by the American military during World War II - pan is today a global phenomenon with many steel drum ensembles found throughout the world, particularly in the United States where many college campuses and local community groups have formed their own steel drum orchestras

WHAT was the significance of 'The Harder They Come?'

- For the most part, little of this music (Jamaican) found much of an audience outside of Jamaica, though Belafonte's Calypso album did bring some attention to the island's musical offerings. - This changed, however, with the success of the film The Harder They Come in 1972. - The story depicted a young country boy from Jamaica who falls into a life of crime trying to become successful in the big city of Kingston. - His initial hope had been to be a famous singer, but his fame instead results from a rebellious shooting spree that ends with his demise. - The lead character is played by Jimmy Cliff, who also sings the title track and other music featured in the movie. - The success of the film in the United States exposed Jamaican popular music to a much wider audience and lifted Jimmy Cliff to the status of cult hero. - I strongly encourage you to watch the film, as it is historically important to reggae music and gives a gritty portrayal of life for many Jamaicans during this period of the music's evolution.

Our focus example illustrates this shift in lyrical emphasis, as well as the vastly different character of the more modern soca sound in comparison to the quaint calypso style.

- HOT,HOT,HOT -Alphonsus Cassell aka Arrow - The listening guide is rather meager in comparison to the calypso example, because the lyrical content is generally less complex. - This is not to diminish soca as a prominent popular world music, but even with the broader social themes, soca stars still find their primary audiences to be local to Trinidad.

ROCK STEADY

- Many reggae artists played the rock steady style as well, which was more of an attitude than anything else. - The tempo slowed dramatically from the peppy ska style and the vocalist emerged as the focus of the music. - Artists, such as Alton Ellis, exemplified the "rude boy" sound, which equated to the American use of the term "cool" in this era. - To be "rude" meant you were calm, cool and collected even in the face of danger. - You dressed sharp, were "smooth" with the ladies, and were always in control of your emotions, i.e., rock steady. - The music steered clear of weighty social commentary, reflecting the sense of indifference that a "rude attitude" required. Reggae, however, was much more outspoken in this respect.

THE JOLLY BOYS

- Mento - 'Woman's Smarter' - english lyrics with social commentary, good example of Mento

MENTO

- Mento is considered the root of Jamaican popular music and would be classified as a folk music more than a popular music style. - The "country" instruments common to the tradition often include homemade instruments, such as a banjo, bamboo saxophone or flute, a pair of small drums, such as bongos, and a rumba box, which is a large lamellophone with a deep sound. - Like calypso, mento generally has a melodic hook and the lyrics tend towards witty social commentary. - In fact, the mento style was often referred to as Jamaican calypso for American markets that were less familiar with the term mento. - The popularity of calypso carried over to Jamaica as well, so indeed the major difference is the regular use of the upbeat syncopated rhythm, later known as "skank."

WHO are some of Calypso's most popular names?

- Rupert Grant 'Rum and Coca-Cola' - Rafael de Leon aka Growling Tiger - Raymond Quevedo 'Ugly Woman' and 'Fire Brigade'

THE SKA-TALITIES

- Ska - 'The Gunes of Navarone' - good example of Ska because of the instruments, rhythm, and improvization

CHARACTERISTICS OF MENTO

- The "country" instruments common to the tradition often include homemade instruments, such as a banjo, bamboo saxophone or flute, a pair of small drums, such as bongos, and a rumba box, which is a large lamellophone with a deep sound. - Like calypso, mento generally has a melodic hook and the lyrics tend towards witty social commentary. - In fact, the mento style was often referred to as Jamaican calypso for American markets that were less familiar with the term mento. - The popularity of calypso carried over to Jamaica as well, so indeed the major difference is the regular use of the upbeat syncopated rhythm, later known as "skank."

WHAT was the British rule like?

- The British tended towards a strict suppression of cultural traditions practiced by slaves (indigenous and African) and indentured servants (Chinese and Indian).

WHAT was the spanish/french rule like?

- The Spanish and French were generally more permissive leading to differences in music creation noticeable in the presence of African musical elements in Caribbean music.

SKANK

- The term skank first appeared along with the rising popularity of ska in the 1960s. - Skank denoted a dance movement in which the dancer holds his/her arms outstretched and then alternates them up and down (one arm up as the other arm is down) to the "skank" upbeat articulation of the music. - The legs move in a marching or side-to-side step, though this is secondary to the arm movement. - Today's skank dance style is somewhat different, but still has the basic character of the early dance movements. *skank rhythm associated with the big band sound of ska*

CHARACTERISTICS OF DANCE HALL

- This type of music emphasized electronic technology to create its melodic hooks and dance rhythms. - Rapid-fire vocal delivery was characteristic of the sound and "slackness" became a hallmark of local DJs. - The social message of reggae music was largely replaced with themes focusing on partying, dancing, and casual affairs, much in the way soca distanced itself from calypso. - Dancehall continues to be popular in Jamaica and has an international following as well. - Artists, such as Shabba Ranks and Sean Paul are good examples of this style. - The focus example was a huge hit internationally and exemplifies some of the basic characteristics of dancehall music - emphasizing a heavy dance beat with minimal melodic accompaniment. - Distinguishing this style from soca music can be difficult as there are many musical and lyrical similarities. - Some markers for identifying soca in contrast are the lyrical references to Carnival, which is far less popular in Jamaica, as well as the more frequent use of brass instruments, such as trumpets and trombones. - Ragga-Dancehall remains primarily electronic music and focuses its lyrical content more heavily on dance-oriented themes. *Absence of "skank" rhythm Dance oriented with faster tempo Lyric themes largely absent of social message*

SKA ORIGINS

- While mento was considered a rural tradition, ska developed in an urban context where the American influence of jazz was more prominent.

Rastafari Movement

- Your book discusses this religion in greater detail, but pay particular attention to the "Rastafari References" box, which highlights terminology common to the religion that frequently appears in the lyrics of Marley's work. - His more spiritual music draws from his Rastafari beliefs, as does much of his protest music that reflects his early years in Jamaica as well as the "Back to Africa" themes common to the religion. - Some good examples to note are "Exodus," "Buffalo Soldier," and our focus example, "One Love."

HISTORY OF CALYPSO

- can be traced to the call-and-response form of singing of African-descended slaves in Trinidad - the term 'calypso' is from a West African exclamation "Kaiso!' meaning go on! - chantwell singers were people that sang calypso and were widely popular and were prized for their wittiness, improvisational skills, and rhyming skills. much like today's rap culture.

DUB

- instrumental version of reggae/rock steady - riddims - toasts - Dub was largely a local phenomenon, though it did have some success in London as well. - I think the most essential thing to know about Dub is that the idea of recorded Riddims playing along with a live DJ improvising lyrics, or "toasts" was a crucial element for the later creation of hip-hop music in the United States. - DJ Kool Herc is often credited as the originator of hip-hop music in the US, but remember that he was Jamaican born and admits that his innovation was largely an imitation of the Dub DJs he heard growing up in Jamaica.

In any case, our Focus Example (Rum and Coca-Cola) is one of the more famous calypsos of the mid-twentieth century. A controversial song in many respects, WHY?

- it is a demonstration of social commentary and local circumstances in Trinidad - The U.S. was drilling for oil and it greatly affected their economy - Grant talked about their current changing conditions and criticized the U.S. involvement in the song - the entire song references the American presence on the island of Trinidad during World War II and wittily criticizes this cross-cultural encounter. - The irony is this song was made popular in the United States with a cover by the Andrews Sisters, but the lyrics were dramatically re-written by Morey Amsterdam to appeal to American audiences. - And that it did, the song being very successful and prompting a lawsuit against Amsterdam for stealing the main melodic hook and "Rum and Coca-Cola" lyric. - I encourage you to take a listen to the Andrews Sisters version and compare it with the original by Lord Invader. Just keyword "Rum and Coca Cola" in iTunes and look for the Andrews Sisters version.

STEEL DRUMS

- known as pan in Trinidad, which are among the most famous of world music instruments. - First made from 55-gallon steel drums brought to Trinidad by the American military during World War II, pan is today a global phenomenon with many steel drum ensembles found throughout the world, particularly in the United States where many college campuses and local community groups have formed their own steel drum orchestras

CHARACTERISTICS OF DUB

- mainly local music - Dub music was essentially reggae and rock steady music without a lead vocal. - The upbeat articulation was still present in most recordings, but as Jamaican tourism flourished, largely in response to the success of reggae on the international scene, a new sound emerged that dropped the "skank "rhythm. - This new style, which developed in the 1980s, was initially known as Raggamuffin - a term used similarly to "rude" or "cool" - and later more generically as Dancehall. - This type of music emphasized electronic technology to create its melodic hooks and dance rhythms. - Rapid-fire vocal delivery was characteristic of the sound and "slackness" became a hallmark of local DJs. - The social message of reggae music was largely replaced with themes focusing on partying, dancing, and casual affairs, much in the way soca distanced itself from calypso.

The British tended towards a strict suppression of cultural traditions practiced by slaves and indentured servants. WHAT RACE were the slaves and the indentured servants?

- slaves (indigenous and African) - indentured servants (Chinese and Indian)

One of the key points about calypso is its used as....

- used as a vehicle for social commentary. - In this way, it relates similarly to hip-hop music that we discussed in the last chapter, which is important since hip-hop is closely related to reggae, which in turn was inspired by calypso. - Calypso itself is inspired by African music traditions, such as the epic songs of West African praise singers, which we will briefly mention later in the semester.

BASIC summary of the chapter

-Popular Music from Trinidad: Calypso Soca - CARNIVAL -Popular music from Jamacia: - ska - rock steady - mento - dub - ragga-dancehall - reggae *To quickly summarize this chapter, we were introduced to Carnival, one of the major cultural events found not only in Trinidad, but throughout the Caribbean in various forms. We learned a little about Pan music from Trinidad as well, and discovered calypso and soca as two of the island's major musical exports. We then turned to Jamaica, where the popular music scene has had a much more global appeal. Our investigation began with a folk tradition similar to calypso, known as mento, and then continued to urban styles, including ska, rock steady, and reggae. Dub music is also closely related to reggae and we wrapped up our discussion of Jamaican popular music with Ragga-Dancehall, a style that is increasingly well-known today.*

SOCA

A popular music style related to calypso music from Trinidad. - soul calypso

________________ ______________________ is the iconic figure of reggae music and one of the most famous faces in the world.

BOB MARLEY

THE WAILERS

Bunny Wailer, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh - Blackwell signed the Wailers to Island Records in 1972, shortly after the release of the film, The Harder They Come. - The Wailers had some earlier success singing ska and rock steady, but had yet to reach an international audience. - With Island Records, they recorded two albums, both in 1973: Catch a Fire and Burnin'. The latter album included the song, "I Shot the Sheriff," which was covered by Eric Clapton the following year and whose version reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's success brought immediate attention to Marley and the Wailers, but at a price. Tosh and Wailer left the group, which was reformed to highlight Marley as Bob Marley and the Wailers. - Marley, Tosh, and Wailer grew up in the rough part of Kingston where street gangs were continually battling and killing each other. "Simmer Down" is essentially a plea to stop the violence, a sentiment that is echoed throughout the music of Marley's career. - Note also the picture in your book of the Wailers in their suits versus later photos more typical of their "rebel" reggae image. Remember that during the early 1960s is when Motown groups and bands like the Beatles were also donning "formal wear" such as this. Fashions changed in the middle of the decade and artists all around the globe dropped the slick suits for, let's say, more casual attire. Think hippies and Woodstock. - Speaking of, it is important to note that during this period of the late 1960s/early 1970s is a very tumultuous time in American history. Young adults throughout the United States and Europe are increasingly vocal in their protest against the government and established authorities. The Civil Rights movement is at its peak and the Vietnam War is a raging political and social concern. Songs like "I Shot the Sheriff" reflect this anti-establishment attitude, as do "Get Up, Stand Up" and "Stir It Up." Both of the Island Records releases include even weightier material, such as "Slave Driver" and "Burnin' and Lootin'." - While the musical aspect of these songs offered something new to American audiences, you should keep in mind that it was also the rebellious image of reggae and its artists that appealed to disaffected youth during this period.

The music predates pan and has been popular abroad since the early years of the twentieth century.

CALYPSO

Its popularity has helped to make the associated music of calypso, pan (i.e., steel drum), samba from Brazil, and other Caribbean musics well-known throughout the world.

CARNIVAL

WHAT festival precedes the period of Lent in the Roman Catholic Church?

CARNIVAL

_____________________ today is one of the most popular festival events in the world. You'll find it celebrated throughout the Caribbean, Americas, Europe, Australia, Africa and even Eastern Asia. For most, the event has lost its religious association, but it has always been a secular event anyway.

CARNIVAL

With rare exception, the music of the ________________________________ is a hybrid of traditions from Europe and Africa.

CARRIBEAN

Note that while _________________________ is the basis for the official languages spoken in Trinidad and Jamaica, the celebration of Carnival was brought to the Caribbean by the French for its association with the Roman Catholic church.

ENGLISH

WHAT are the main significances of Jamaica?

Evolution of Reggae: -------Mento - Ska - Rock Steady - Reggae "Upbeat" articulation Calypso Roots

Jamaican Popular Music is often characterized as _____________________, although there are several other types of Jamaican popular music.

REGGAE - Many of these other genres in Jamaica are precursors to reggae and contributed to its evolution. - The unifying theme of mento, ska, rock steady and reggae, is the "upbeat" articulation heard in each of these styles. - Also, remember that calypso from Trinidad predates reggae and is strongly influential on mento, which is considered the origin of the reggae sound

REMEMBER that calypso from Trinidad foreshadows _________________________ and is strongly influential on ____________________________, which is considered the origin of the reggae sound

REGGAE, MENTO

One of the key differences between Spanish/French and British rule is related to what?

RELIGION - While all were predominantly Christian, the former followed Roman Catholic beliefs, while the British, who dominated the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad in its most recent history, were primarily Protestant.

As _________________ music proliferated through the 1960s, many music styles assimilated some of its characteristics in order to maintain their popularity.

ROCK music - Calypso music did this as well, incorporating rock and R&B instruments, along with the steel drum as a solo instrument. - The rhythm section borrowed from the "engine room" of the steel drum orchestras, incorporating a steady driving beat coupled with the melodic hook typical of calypso music.

BOB MARLEY IN A NUTSHELL

Rastafari ----Socially conscientious -----Peace and Protest Focus Example - "One Love" -----"One Drop" beat -----"Skank" syncopation -----Walking tempo

The common thread through these styles of popular Jamaican music is the use of the "___________________" upbeat rhythm.

SKANK

As tourism increased to the island of Trinidad, there was a gradual shift in lyrical content towards themes that were more universal, such as partying, dancing, and brief romantic affairs. _____________________, as this new style was dubbed, became the soundtrack for Carnival celebrations and maintained a popular presence throughout the year.

SOCA

The __________ _______________________is now common to a variety of Caribbean music and is prominently featured in calypso music from Trinidad and elsewhere.

STEEL DRUM - An important point for you to remember is that the steel drum - pan - was invented in Trinidad, not Jamaica. - Trinidadians are very proud of this musical creation and greatly offended when foreigners mistakenly believe it originally came from Jamaica. - Remember pan is from Trinidad, NOT Jamaica!

WHAT are the main things to know about Trinidad?

Steel Drums (Pan) ----World War II Calypso ----Social Commentary Focus Example - "Rum and Coca-Cola" -----Emphasis on lyrics with local themes -----Melodic "Hook" The Andrews Sisters cover Harry Belafonte, Calypso Soca "Soul-Calypso" -----Lyrics lose local references -----Carnival a major focus -----Dance oriented Focus Example - "Hot, Hot, Hot" -----"Party" theme lyrics

CARNIVAL is a critical point of the development of ______________________________ music.

TRINIDAD'S

WHAT are the main things to know about Reggae?

The Harder They Come ------Jimmy Cliff Island Records

CALYPSO

a style of music that began in Trinidad and combines musical elements from Africa, Spain, and the Caribbean

RUPERT GRANT

aka Lord Invader - Rum and Coca-Cola - Calypso

LENT

an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and certain other churches.

WHO brought Carnival to the Carribbean?

by the French for its association with the Roman Catholic church

ALTON ELLIS

exemplified the "rude boy" sound, which equated to the American use of the term "cool" in this era. - To be "rude" meant you were calm, cool and collected even in the face of danger. - You dressed sharp, were "smooth" with the ladies, and were always in control of your emotions, i.e., rock steady. - The music steered clear of weighty social commentary, reflecting the sense of indifference that a "rude attitude" required. Reggae, however, was much more outspoken in this respect.

ISLAND RECORDS

the record label founded in 1961 by Charles Blackwell that initially became known for its reggae releases. - signed Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley and many others