Rod's Ramblings
A podcast reminiscing about cultural events and how they affected this sixty something. Join me as we travel on a nostalgic journey through the cultural events that have shaped our lives. From classical composers, iconic music moments, rock stars and unforgettable TV shows. Let’s reminisce about how these events have influenced us all. Whether you’re a fellow baby boomer or just love a good story, Rod’s Ramblings offers a heartfelt, informative and entertaining look at the stories behind these great events. Cheers, Rod.
Rod's Ramblings
Exploring The Blues - Series Trailer
Step into the soulful world of the blues as we embark on an auditory journey through one of music's most influential genres. The blues isn't just music—it's a feeling, a story, raw and timeless. From its humble beginnings in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the electrifying stages of London and beyond, this musical tradition has shaped generations of artists and listeners alike.
This new series of Rod's Ramblings delves deep into the heart and soul of blues music, exploring how it emerged from the pain, resilience, and creativity of African-American communities in the American South. We'll examine the distinctive elements that make the blues so powerful: the 12-bar structure, emotional call-and-response vocals, and authentic storytelling that speaks to universal human experiences.
Together we'll trace the footsteps of legendary pioneers like Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Bessie Smith, and Robert Johnson, whose innovations laid the groundwork for modern popular music. Discover how their sound crossed the Atlantic to inspire British musicians including Keith Richards, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Peter Green, catalyzing the British blues explosion that forever changed rock music. And looking to the present, we'll celebrate contemporary artists like Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray, and Susan Tedeschi who keep the blues tradition alive while pushing its boundaries forward. Subscribe now and join this musical journey through time! Have a favorite blues artist or song? Share it with me—I'd love to hear what moves you in this everlasting genre that Eric Clapton rightly called "the mother of American music."
Hello there and welcome to Rod's Ramblings, a podcast reminiscing about cultural events and how they've affected this 60-something. Firstly, a huge thank you to all of you for your comments on my last series, harmonious Histories. Your support really does mean the world to me. For this new series I want to dive into. One support really does mean the world to me.
Speaker 1:For this new series, I want to dive into one of my favourite musical genres the blues. It's been described as more than just music. The blues is a feeling, a story raw, soulful and timeless. From the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the roaring stages of London and beyond, this genre has left an undeniable mark on music history. As Eric Clapton once said, blues is the mother of American music, a statement that reflects how deeply it's influenced generations of musicians across the world.
Speaker 1:In exploring the blues, I'll take you on a journey through its heart and soul. We'll talk about the birth of the blues in the American South, born from the pain, resilience and creativity of African-American communities. We'll explore its key characteristics, the 12-bar blues call and response vocals and emotional storytelling, and trace the footsteps of legends like Willie Dixon, harlan Wolfe, bessie Smith and Robert Johnson. We'll uncover how this powerful music crossed the Atlantic, inspiring British artists like Keith Richards, alexis Corner, john Mayall, peter Green and Alvin Lee, pioneers who helped shape the British blues explosion. And finally, we'll celebrate the modern blues musicians that are keeping the flame alive, the likes of Joe Bonamassa, robert Cray, susan Tedeschi and many, many more. As we come to the end of the trailer for the new series, I'd like to play a piece of music for you by a blues musician called Will Harrison. It was released in 2023 and is called Share the Wealth. I hope you like it no-transcript.
Speaker 1:I'm excited to dig deep into the artists, albums and songs that define the blues genre and to share their incredible stories with you. If you love the blues as much as I do, please subscribe and join me on this journey. If you've got a favourite blues song or artist, drop me a message. I'd love to hear from you. So until the next time on Rod's Ramblings, cheers and take care.
