Italian Music offers a rich array of genres that reflect its diverse cultural heritage. One type of music that is traditional to Italy is the Tarantella. The Tarantella is a lively, fast-paced traditional Italian dance and music style, often associated with southern Italy, especially regions like Naples and Sicily. Historically, it is played at weddings and was believed to be a remedy for a tarantula spider bite, as people thought dancing vigorously would expel the venom. The music typically features a fast tempo in 3/6 or 6/8 time with tambourines, mandolins, and castanets, creating a distinctive rhythmic pulse.
Tarantella Napoletana by Luigi Ricci, released in 1953
A short clip of traditional Italian Tarantella Dancing
In my opinion, the lively tempo and rhythmic drive of the Tarantella create an uplifting and almost hypnotic energy, which I find contagious and energizing, that may be my heritage talking due to having ancestors from Sicily! The timbre of traditional instruments, especially the bright, percussive sound of the tambourine, adds a festive quality that makes the music feel warm and inviting. The melody's simplicity and rapid pace give a sense of joyous urgency, making it hard not to imagine a lively dance.
Italian American Museum of Los Angeles. Southern Italy’s Tarantella the “Dance of the Spider” Folk Dances of the WorlD: Made Possible in Part by a Grant from the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department PMS 285. 2020. https://iamla.org/docs/IAMLA_TarantellaLesson.pdf
Evolution of the Steel Guitar from Hawaii to Country Music
Ironically enough, one of the most popular instruments utilized in country music evolved from somewhat foreign origins. The steel guitar evolved from the traditional guitar tracing back to the late 19th century in Hawaii. It was developed by Joseph Kekuku in the 1890s, who discovered a technique of sliding a steel bar along the strings to produce a smooth, gliding sound. This method gave the instrument its distinctive name, "steel guitar".
One of its greatest strengths is its ability to create distinct moods. In country music, for example, the steel guitar often evokes feelings of nostalgia or heartache, while in Hawaiian music, it can transport listeners to serene, tropical landscapes. The pedal steel guitar, with its complex mechanics, allows musicians to bend notes and chords, adding a layer of technical brilliance that is both impressive and expressive. Overall, the steel guitar stands out for its ability to enhance a song's emotional impact, and its evolution reflects its deep-rooted cultural significance and ongoing relevance in modern music.
To me, the steel guitar is a unique and fascinating instrument with a sound that instantly evokes emotion and atmosphere. Its smooth, gliding tones can express both joy and sorrow, making it incredibly versatile across genres like country, Hawaiian, blues, and rock. I was extremely surprised to find that the steel guitar was developed in Hawaii since I grew up hearing the crying of the steel guitar all over country music!
Once the steel guitar hit the United States, the pedal steel guitar was invented. In 1940, Gibson Guitar Corporation took this idea and added foot pedals to the steel guitar to be able to change the tuning of the instrument. Thus allowing the instrument to be played in different keys and to allow a variety of chords.
"Steel Guitar Rag- Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys (1936)"
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys were one of the first to produce songs with the steel guitar in music. Due to the pedal steel requiring so much dexterity, skill, and coordination, it is no easy task, even for seasoned players. In this song above, the steel guitar is crafted masterfully, taking center stage. Played by Leon McAuliffe, the guitar creates a lively, upbeat sound that perfectly complements the swing rhythms and jazz influences of the genre. The song became a classic and helped solidify the steel guitar’s place in country and swing music, elevating its popularity in the 1930s.
"Amarillo by Morning- George Straight (1983)"
In 1983, George Strait released this song, featuring a pedal steel guitar that plays a key role in conveying the song's emotional depth. Compared to Bob Wills' "Steel Guitar Rag" (1936). which is upbeat and showcases the high notes of the steel guitar's lively, jazzy side in Western swing, Straight's song uses the instrument in a more subtle way to reflect the picture the lyrics convey of hardship and perseverance. Both songs demonstrate the steel guitar's versatility, whether it's driving a lively swing song front row and center or providing emotional texture in a country ballad complementing the lyrics.
In analyzing Waylon Jennings's classic country song "Waymore's Blues," you can focus on the following five musical elements:
Melody:
The melody of "Waymore's Blues" is simple yet vivid, relying heavily on Waylon's deep and distinctive voice. The melody follows a bluesy, laid-back structure that contributes to a feeling of nostalgia and storytelling. The rising and falling pitch creates a narrative-like progression, evoking emotions of longing and reflection.
Tempo:
The tempo of Jennings' voice is raspy, gritty, and authentic, which helps convey the raw emotional depth of the lyrics. The sound of his voice paired with the acoustic guitar adds a rustic, earthy quality to the music, making it feel intimate and personal. This evokes a feeling of authenticity, which can make the listener feel connected to the story of a rambling pedal steel guitar player.
Rhythm:
The rhythm in this song is driven by a steady, chugging beat similar to traditional country and blues tracks. The rhythm is consistent but relaxed, which supports the lyrics without overshadowing them. This can elicit a sense of calm and introspection while still maintaining a forward momentum that pulls the listener into the story.
Dynamics:
Jennings uses subtle dynamics in the song, with shifts in intensity that align with the storytelling of the lyrics. The quieter verses provide a reflective tone like "Well, I got a good woman, what's the matter with me? What makes me want to love every woman I see?" In the parts, the choruses are slightly louder, adding emphasis to key emotional peaks and valleys, adding depth to the listener's experience.
Sound:
The song features a prominent acoustic guitar paired with light percussion, creating a minimalist yet rich backdrop for Jennings' vocals. The simplicity of the instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage while still evoking the traditional feel of country blues. The guitar’s twang and slides enhance the emotional resonance of the music, giving it a timeless, wandering feel.
By examining these five elements — melody, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, and instrumentation — you can dive deeper into why "Waymore's Blues" resonates with you emotionally. The blend of these musical components creates a raw and reflective experience that is both personal and universal in its themes of travel, love, and life’s ups and downs.
