Carlos Salazar
CMST-1061
10-8-23
1. CTK’s statement that most people have an incorrect definition of the Blues, shows me
that there might be predetermined notions about his music. It proposes that there’s a
widespread misunderstanding of what blues means/represents. It kind of convinced me to
reassess my understanding of Blues and dig deeper into its history, and themes. From the
south myself, nowadays it crazy to think about blues or jazz as something not fit
academically or artistically. It’s so prominent now that I don’t even think twice about
hearing it anywhere in New Orleans. But CTK’s comment about how the blues festival
was banned from the southern university for not being academically appropriate,
highlights the importance of recognizing the nature of blues and its impact on culture,
and the arts.
2. Charging for tickets likely increased the festivals revenue, and in turn organizers could
book higher quality performers, equipment, and merchandise to sell. But most
importantly there would be a shift in audience, when the festival was free it may have
attracted a more diverse and local audience, with ticket charges. The festival could draw a
crowd willing to pay, potentially changing the social and economic structure of the
audience.
3. When CTK refers to “music as culture”, he probably means that music isn’t just a form of
entertainment but a form of keeping traditions, stories, and the identity of a
society/history. Music often reflects the values, and beliefs of a community and it can be
a way to keep that all preserved. “Music as freedom of expression” highlights the idea
that music should be a platform for artists to convey their emotion’s, thoughts, and
experience’s. it suggests that music can serve as a means of personal expression, allowing
anybody to share their own perspective. I must agree on CTK’s opinion, music is one of
the only things in the world that can bring people together, when there were hard times
people sang, when you’re sad you sing, happy, you sing. Everybody sings for themselves
or for somebody they love, it one of the ultimate forms of communication.
4. When CTKS made the statement “We are living in the “Blues Era,”” he likely means that
the themes, emotions, and experiences associated with Blues, such as hardship, resilience,
and struggle, are relevant in the contemporary world. Although not everyone faces the
same problems in life, I can say for sure that CTK’s comment is right, and many people
would agree. People may see life as ongoing struggles and hardships, issues such as
economic inequality, social injustice, and personal challenges. On the other hand, I can
see why some people might disagree, they might argue that music has evolved over times
and contemporary music styles and themes may not line up with traditional Blues.
5. Louisiana is often celebrated for its rich musical heritage, but it doesn’t’ feel as though
it’s as prominent as it was. It may be due to a social factor, the presence of music
education programs, and the support for local musicians can heavily influence the amount
of people wanting to do music, and Louisiana itself may not have don’t a well enough job
to do that. Or it could be due to perceptions and stereotypes, CTK’s comments about
creating a “fairy tale” around black music to fit a certain narrative implies that cultural
perceptions and stereotypes can affect how music is embraced or marginalized. These
biases may influence which music genres receive more attention and support.
