Keeping It Real

Keeping It Real

Weekly Blog

12.5.11

Pat Bc

This past weekend I learned a lot about blues and Grazian’s discussion of authenticity ( Black and Tan Fantasy, 2003) through a special fashion show that comes to Phoenix once a year.  Held in an elegant resort setting I made serious observations and notes on the commentator, models, clothes, and use of pop music.  As the show began the commentator invites you in to a world brought to you by way of Chi-CA-go blended through her smooth sultry persuasive command of English, fused with a formal Black vernacular.  Most of the models seem to glide down the runway in dramatic precise steps and the  designer clothes moved in that same formal fashion. However one model came out unique in a healthy body style, she was a regular size middle aged model that commands your attention as she makes the clothes talk and this large audience spoke. Much like the blues singer works that guitar he commands your attention as the chords sing in his own authentic way conveyed through the words he or she speaks a message much like the model’s clothes make a statement.  They both speak to you what you may feel at the time, and all the time the crowd is responding by clapping, talking, moving, and singing almost much like the blues player’s call to the audience. There is a cultural relationship that is sold and the consumer hopefully buys (Grazian, p. 8-9) Fantasy, 2003).  Now I understand the blues a little better, authentic blues is felt deep down it is an emotional response spoken through the chords of the guitar and the words of the artist-he or she does not  just sing , anyone can sing but they convey a feeling that cannot be copied or manufactured it is authentic at that time (Grazian, 2003).

Although I grew up listening to the blues I did not particularly care for it. My mother played a lot of blues and jazz but only certain blues artists.  However, now I understand why some music wasn’t played because  it was too adult (Grazian, Black and Tan Fantasy, 2003) and you learn that going to “those” venues was just not acceptable. However, through time it has managed to come into a life of its own by fusing a part of life in others.  Perhaps blues helps others to get in touch with the real self or to reminisce over days of old entertainment(Blues in Black and White, The Politics of Race and Authenticity).  Therefore it seems to serve a purpose for those who seek it out. 

 Yet I see now that blues on a record does not convey the same message as blues that is produced live with an audience. There is a different emotion when you are with others, therefore going to see a jazz or blues performance allows the consumer to take part of that action and respond.   Being a part of the performance makes it authentic.