Afro-American Music: A Demonstration Recording

Willis James, former chairman of the Music Department at Spelman College, looks at how the complex musical and linguistic practices of west coast African cultures have been translated into the musical practices of African Americans. In this lecture performance, he covers spirituals, work songs, blues and jazz.

Track Listing

101	African Background	Dr. Willis James	01:00
102	Rhythm and African Drums	Dr. Willis James	02:25
103	Kinds of African Drums: Shongo	Dr. Willis James	02:13
104	Periodicity and Effects of Rhythm	Dr. Willis James	02:38
105	Africanisms in America	Dr. Willis James	08:08
106	Afro-American Speech	Dr. Willis James	03:14
107	Speech and Song	Dr. Willis James	02:38
108	Speech and Rhythm	Dr. Willis James	02:52
201	Speech and Melody	Dr. Willis James	05:20
202	The Cry	Dr. Willis James	08:20
203	Plain Cry: Coalman's Cry / Fishmonger's Cry	Dr. Willis James	05:49
204	Florid Cry: Going to Alabammy / Cabin Boy	Dr. Willis James	03:17
205	Coloratura Cry	Dr. Willis James	00:43
206	Wordless Cry	Dr. Willis James	03:44
301	Wordless Cries (Version 1)	Dr. Willis James	00:30
302	Wordless Cries (Version 2)	Dr. Willis James	00:50
303	Florid Cry	Dr. Willis James	00:51
304	Prayer Meeting	Prayer meeting attendants	02:03
305	See God's Ark	Moving Star Hall Singers	02:10
306	The Cry, Concluded	Dr. Willis James	01:02
307	The Blues	Dr. Willis James	06:44
308	Religious Music: Guide My Feet / Ain’t but Me One / My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord / Good News / My God Is a Rock in a Weary Land / God’s A-Gonna Straighten’Em When He Comes	Dr. Willis James	13:26
401	Jubilee Song: Good News (Chariot's Comin')	Dr. Willis James	01:46
402	Work Song: Go Tell the Captain	Dr. Willis James	06:11
403	Jump for Joy: Cotton-Screwing Song	Dr. Willis James	02:46
404	All I Want Is Union	Dr. Willis James	03:22
405	Negro Music from White Sources: What a Friend We Have in Jesus (White) / What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Negro)	Dr. Willis James	06:02
406	Jazz	Dr. Willis James	05:00