Blues & Gospel

[smilnJackB]

I am working on a 45 minute set of songs that is about half old country Blues and half Gospel. Someone asked me, "Isn't that an odd combination?"
I don't think so. I think the they go great together. They both should come from the soul, but maybe different aspects of the soul? How should I reply?
Jack http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Ted Eschliman]

One could explore the "human experience" side of both genres, but there are certain "technical" similarities that come to mind: the flat 3rd, 7th, & 5th, the liberty of melodic creativity, the escape from "metronomic" line.
The musical "language" can be traced to similar geographies, as well. (Origins in urban areas, as well as the Southern USA)

[duuuude]

They're both music genres coming truly from the heart. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[smilnJackB]

Good explanation, Mandohack. I was thinking on the human level and missing the similar musical connections. Jack