Week Two
This week I chose to listen to the song "West End
Blues" which was performed by Louis Armstrong. I am a big fan of the
trumpet, so I enjoy how the song starts out as it transitions into a bit of
scatting by Louis. After a while, the trumpet and singing come to a stop and a
piano solo comes in to take the lead for a hot minute and then shortly
transitions back to the trumpet, going back and forth to the end of the song.
The music almost puts me to sleep as it's got a calm tone throughout the song.
If I were to put place to song, I would set this song in the night of a
south-eastern swamp-land, similar to the setting of The Princess and the Frog.
I just imagine listening to this song, floating slower than molasses down a big
swampy river under dim light on a wooden raft. As far as music goes, I am not
picky in the slightest and really like to listen to all sorts of music. I wouldn’t
say that this type of jazz music would be my very first choice, but after
listening to it a few times around, I see myself liking it more and more. It’s
similar to the difference between reading and studying for me. The more I focus
and slow down to dissect the music, the more I can not only understand but
appreciate it as well. I imagine the music was intended for practically
everyone, and not focused towards a small group, which is perhaps why this song
has become such a staple! I can’t say for sure but perhaps the lack of words generalizes
the song more and allows for more people to connect with it! Nonetheless, the
song is a great one!
Nice. I went a listened to it after reading your blog! I thought everything in what you said in your blog was spot on. The reason why I like this song after listening to it was the trumpets and that its not a boring song.
ReplyDeleteYour imagery for this song was perfect! I read this while listening to the song and was transported to the same "Princess and the Frog" scene. You have a way with words! I really like this song as well, it reminds me of the Lo Fi music genre. "West End Blues" is a song that, like Lo Fi, helps me focus yet, isn't distracting.
ReplyDeleteI love "West End Blues" as well because it has a jazzy feel. I find it funny that the song puts you to sleep, because it does the same for me. It sounds like a song people would slow dance to in the early 1900s.
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