Afro-American Music / Various Afro-American Music / Various CD

Willis James, former chairman of the Music Department at Spelman College, looks at how the complex musical and linguistic practices of west coast African cultures have been translated into the musical practices of African Americans. In this lecture performance, he covers spirituals, work songs, blues and jazz.

1. African Background 2. Rhythm and African Drums 3. Kinds of African Drums: Shongo 4. Periodicity and Effects of Rhythm 5. Africanisms in America 6. Afro-American Speech 7. Speech and Song 8. Speech and Rhythm 9. Speech and Melody 10. The Cry 11. Plain Cry: Coalman's Cry, Fishmonger's Cry 12. Florid Cry: Going to Alabammy, Cabin Boy 13. Coloratura Cry 14. Wordless Cry 15. Wordless Cries 16. Wordless Cries 17. Florid Cry 18. Prayer Meeting 19. See God's Ark 20. The Cry (Concluded) 21. The Blues 22. Religious Music: A) Guide My Feet B) Ain't But Me One C) My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord D) Good News E) My God Is a Rock in a Weary Land F) God's A-Gonna Straighten'em - When He Comes (Medley) 23. Jubilee Song: "Good News" (Chariot's Comin') 24. Work Song: "Go Tell the Captain" 25. Jump for Joy - Cotton-Screwing Song 26. All I Want Is Union 27. Negro Music from White Sources: A) "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (White) B) "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (Negro) 28. Jazz