The Blue Yodel No. 2
The Blue Yodel No. 2 is a song in the genre of Hillbilly music written by Jimmie Rodgers. It came out the year of 1928, when phonographs were still being purchased at very high rates in America. This piece truly captures the feeling of the new Hillbilly music style that was being introduced in the music industry at the time. We can see the influence Hillbilly music has on modern day country music just by the use of instruments like the banjo, guitar, and bass. Rodgers is thought to be one of the biggest influences in how country music came to be. Rodgers yodel adds a new element to the song, because he uses his voice in a different unique way. His yodel is a very distinct personal touch he added to not only this work, but to a number of his pieces. This technique reminds me a little bit of scatting, because yodeling does not use actual words, but merely focuses on the voice as an instrument alone. The yodel sets his work apart from other Hillbilly songs in that time period. It works as a way to express more emotion than just normal singing. The lyrics and the tempo of music are in perfect harmony together. The beat is simple, leaving the listener able to focus on the lyrics more in depth. I can hear an underlying melancholy tone that is contrasted by the sound of the guitar. This tone paired with the lyrics leaves the listener feeling a little sad.
Your description of the song is very informative! In another post I read about Blue Yodel No. 2, I was informed that his yodeling was a mix of his own personal account and Austrian yodel styles, which I thought was very interesting. Going back through with that mindset and listening to the lyrics I think brings out that melancholy tone you speak of.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great song and you described it in such detail. Yodeling is such a cool aspect in this song and many of Rodgers songs and you went into good depth on how it is an important thing. I like how you talked about Hillbilly music and how this song was a great representation of a new style that was becoming popular. Nice work!
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