Hill country blues
Encyclopedia
Hill country blues is a regional offshoot of country blues
style characterized by few chord changes, unconventional song structures, and an emphasis on the "groove" or a steady, driving rhythm (sometimes referred to as a "drone" style). Mississippi Fred McDowell
possessed this distinctive style that was heavier on percussive elements and African rhythms than traditional delta blues
. McDowell's performances would help define the hill country blues sound, strongly influencing later artists like R. L. Burnside
and Junior Kimbrough
. Burnside and Kimbrough would go on to popularize this sound through the Fat Possum Records
label.
is often cited in reference to the style. An annual picnic is held to celebrate the region and music.
Fat Possum Records artists
Country blues
Country blues is a general term that refers to all the acoustic, mainly guitar-driven forms of the blues. It often incorporated elements of rural gospel, ragtime, hillbilly, and dixieland jazz...
style characterized by few chord changes, unconventional song structures, and an emphasis on the "groove" or a steady, driving rhythm (sometimes referred to as a "drone" style). Mississippi Fred McDowell
Mississippi Fred McDowell
Fred McDowell known by his stage name; Mississippi Fred McDowell, was an American Hill country blues singer and guitar player.-Career:...
possessed this distinctive style that was heavier on percussive elements and African rhythms than traditional delta blues
Delta blues
The Delta blues is one of the earliest styles of blues music. It originated in the Mississippi Delta, a region of the United States that stretches from Memphis, Tennessee in the north to Vicksburg, Mississippi in the south, Helena, Arkansas in the west to the Yazoo River on the east. The...
. McDowell's performances would help define the hill country blues sound, strongly influencing later artists like R. L. Burnside
R. L. Burnside
Not to be confused with R. H. Burnside, stage director.R. L. Burnside , born Robert Lee Burnside, was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist who lived much of his life in and around Holly Springs, Mississippi. He played music for much of his life, but did not receive much attention...
and Junior Kimbrough
Junior Kimbrough
David "Junior" Kimbrough was an American blues musician. His best known work included "Keep Your Hands Off Her" and "All Night Long". Music journalist Tony Russell stated "his raw, repetitive style suggests an archaic forebear of John Lee Hooker, a character his music shares with that of fellow...
. Burnside and Kimbrough would go on to popularize this sound through the Fat Possum Records
Fat Possum Records
Fat Possum Records is an American independent record label based in Oxford, Mississippi. At first Fat Possum focused almost entirely on recording hitherto unknown Mississippi blues artists . Recently, Fat Possum has signed younger rock acts to its roster...
label.
Geography
Hill country blues was named after the northern region of Mississippi bordering Tennessee. Holly Springs, MississippiHolly Springs, Mississippi
Holly Springs is a city in Marshall County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 7,957 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Marshall County. A short drive from Memphis, Tennessee, Holly Springs is the site of a number of well-preserved antebellum homes and other structures and...
is often cited in reference to the style. An annual picnic is held to celebrate the region and music.
See Also
Fat Possum Records artists