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Blues Top Five
The Language of the Blues Archive
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The Language of the Blues: “BOTTLENECK”
Posted on May 23, 2013 |Although early slide guitar players used knives and bones as slides, blues guitarists soon broke the necks off of bottles for slides. Read all about the guitar slide and it's incredible place in history!!0Comments -
The Language of the Blues: “CABBAGE”
Posted on May 9, 2013 |This is the grand return of our weekly series, The Language of the Blues, exploring the meaning and significance of unique words used in the blues!0Comments -
The Language of the Blues: “BLACK DOG”
Posted on November 21, 2012 |Tweet This is the latest installment in our weekly series entitled, The Language of the Blues, where author and rocker Debra Devi focuses on the meaning and significance of a unique word used...0Comments -
The Language of the Blues: “BLACK CAT BONE”
Posted on November 7, 2012 |Discover the real meaning behind "Black Cat Bone", which is prominently featured in a number of blues songs, from Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and more!0Comments -
Language of the Blues: “BISCUIT”
Posted on October 31, 2012 |The blues is loaded with culinary references to sex- this is a form of signifying, which is the use of innuendo and doubletalk that is fully understood only by members of one’s community.0Comments -
Language of the Blues: Thoughts From Dr. John
Posted on October 18, 2012 |In a VERY special LOTB, Dr John explains the origins of blues language. If you know his lyrics or have heard him speak, you know he's perhaps the best equipped person in music and blues to talk about it's language!0Comments -
The Language of the Blues: “BAYOU”
Posted on October 11, 2012 |Find out the origins of the word "Bayou", and it's significance in the blues in this week's article!0Comments -
Language of the Blues: Barrelhouse
Posted on September 26, 2012 |A bar where whiskey is served straight from the barrel is called a barrelhouse. Add a piano and you’ve got yourself a party.0Comments -
The Language of the Blues: “Banjo”
Posted on September 19, 2012 |From it's African origins to Minstrel shows and finally Bluegrass, the Banjo is one of the oldest instruments in American roots music. Discover it's history here.0Comments -
The Language of the Blues: “Balling The Jack”
Posted on August 17, 2012 |"balling the jack" a popular phrase from blues songs, rail yards, dance halls, and even Harlem plays and eventually the silver screen! Find all about "Balling the Jack"!0Comments
