Music of the Americas!
January 14th, 2020
Question #1: What are some Native American vocal techniques?
Before enrolling in this class I had heard little sprinkles of Native American music in various history classes and through modern bands that syncretized (new fav word) the culture's musical elements into various genres. So I was slightly familiar with some of the sounds that we heard both before and during our first few days of class. However, I have long wondered how the vocalists were able to sustain their magnificent belt for the duration of ceremonies or longer songs. For my non-musicians/ non-vocalists out there who may have lost me at the word "belt", I am not referring to the occasionally designer and mostly practical straps of leather and other materials commonly fastened around the mid to lower region of the body. Belting in a musical sense is a vocal technique in which the individual will sing at a loud volume (which some people liken to yelling or screaming- it do be like that, but I digress)above their break (the key or note/notes that typically cause the voice to automatically flip into a falsetto tone). Okay, now that we've gotten the introduction out of the way, let's briefly dive into what I found!
It was difficult to find the actual techniques as I imagined it would be. In class we learned that one has to physically approach a seasoned dancer or singer to ask for guidance on those arts. So I doubt that there are tons of people just posting that sort of sacred information on the internet. However, I did find a well written essay on the structure and tradition of Plains indigenous people's songs (historically from the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies). The author shares lots of details on common intervals, the responsibilities of lead singers and dancers, the use of vocable composition, etc.
Below is a funny video made by two indigenous folks, titled "Singing Lessons". Tune in for a good laugh! I also found a video of a Native American spiritual prison group singing and drumming together in the courtyard area. It is beautiful!
Question #2: What all is there to know about Redbone?
Most of my friends and I went through some form of an emo phase growing up. We began listening to emo-rock, cut our hair into bangs that intentionally covered our faces, rocked skinny jeans with eyelet belts and fitted band tees and don't forget the dirty canvas shoes! Sidenote: The haircut was a definite "No!" from my mom. So, the closest I got to that hairstyle was an extremely deep side part that gave my hair no other option than to lay across my face all day. *cue forehead acne* The majority of us discovered that we in fact were not hardcore emo, but there are still elements of that subculture that I enjoy. One of those elements is rock music (and black skinny jeans...but moving on)! One of my favorite rock bands that I discovered this year is a group called Redbone, a Native American rock band from the 70's. Some of you may know their hit song, "Come and Get Your Love".The live version is linked below and begins with a pow wow dancer! I have also linked their song, "Liquid Truth", which touches on the substance abuse issue that affects those globally and within Native American cultures.
As far as the history and intentions of the band, I found their very well organized and informative website that offered factual information on the group. It began with two brothers, Pat and Lolly Vegas, who had an expansive and successful career as a duo before they created a band. Jimi Hendrix was a fan of the duo and suggested that they start a full band named Redbone (a Cajun slang term for someone who is of mixed race). They teamed up with Tony Bellamy (guitarist) and Pete DePoe (drummer) and signed to Epic Records in 1969.
Lastly, I posted an old Redbone interview where the artists are explaining their musical style. Spoken in the words of a true rocker (Pat Vegas), "The music has balls." I don't think he needs my writing to help explain that...Alright, rock on!
Question #3: What is the typical attire of an Ecuadorian woman in more rural places like the ones that we have discussed over the past few days?
I love fashion and will be incorporating more fashion-based videos onto my YouTube channel "Living Chelsea"! My favorite thing about it is the story that an outfit or wardrobe can tell about a person. I have been enjoying the brightly colored regalia and traditional-wear of both the Native American and Ecuadorian people. However, I found myself wondering what the Ecuadorian women wear on a daily-basis outside of ceremonies and events in addition to their hats. I narrowed my search down to the Cotacachi women for the simple reason that I am directionally challenged and would rather stay close to territory that we have already charted (and that I can comprehend geographically, ha!) in class.
According to this article , the Quechuan women in Cotacachi wear simply-cut skirts and dresses with various flowers and plants embroidered on them in colorful thread. They also wear belts (the clothing items this time :) ) that serve a few purposes. The main purpose is back support. The women typically tend to the home and land while the men go into town to work. Therefore, heavy lifting and bending down is a part of many women's' daily lives. They also wear the belts when they are pregnant in order to support their backs and growing bellies. Below is the video that the article is based on!
While I was researching I came across a funny article that mentioned a tidbit on Ecuadorian menswear near the coast. Long story short- the men are much more likely to be wearing a sporty baseball cap (lh side) than a fancy Panama hat like the ones that are sold in the markets (rh side). It would be considered silly or lame amongst the natives for one of them to wear what they are selling or what tourists might ignorantly expect them to have on.
Chelsea Durrah - Hey Chels! I found your blog to be very insightful, especially on the Native vocal techniques! I was reading the essay you provided and the one thing I found interesting was that even though most Plain songs don't have a title, the group will know the song just by hearing the lead phrase. Thanks Chels!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love this culture and wish we could have spent more time on it! Thanks for reading!
DeleteHey Chelsea! I found it interesting to learn about the everyday attire for Ecuadorian women, especially since they put such an importance on textiles. I thought it was interesting how they used belts as way to create back support while lifting, which I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a versatile piece! Thank you for reading!
Delete