Blues Quote by Robert Christgau
“There's a musicologist named Peter van der Merwe whose theory is that the blues generates tune families, and that their similarity to each other is in fact part of the pleasure you take in them - rather than the differentiation in which Jerome Kern and George Gershwin indulged to great effect.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Blues: A History, 1945-2000 by Robert Santelli, 2001
The blues creates related musical families whose shared traits provide pleasure, unlike the distinct styles of Kern and Gershwin.
In simple terms: Blues families give enjoyment through similarity.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate common patterns in music.
Themes
music theory
blues
pleasure
similarity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- listening to blues
- music education
- songwriting
- analysis of genre trends
Key Concepts
musical families
cultural context
genre evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How does familiarity affect musical enjoyment?
- What role does novelty play in other genres?
A Different Perspective
Blues similarity can be less engaging for listeners seeking novelty.
