Comparing and Contrasting “St Louis Blues” by WC Handy and “The Black Snake Moan” by Blind Lemon Jefferson

1. The blues genre is well-known for its distinct style, and “St Louis Blues” by WC Handy and “The Black Snake Moan” by Blind Lemon Jefferson are two classic examples of this style. These recordings were both made in the early 1920s, within a year of each other, and while they share similarities, they also have many differences.

“St Louis Blues” has a slow and mournful tone with a steady, deliberate rhythm. The song is performed by a full band, with the trumpet solo as the primary instrument. The lyrics describe the singer’s longing for lost love and his desire to leave the city. The song’s structure is classic blues, with the singer repeating the same refrain multiple times throughout the song.

In contrast, “The Black Snake Moan” is a more upbeat and lively song with a faster tempo and a driving rhythm. The song is performed only by Blind Lemon Jefferson, who provides the guitar and vocals. The lyrics describe a woman who has been bitten by a snake, and the singer’s attempts to heal her. The structure is more improvisational, with Blind Lemon Jefferson adding new lyrics and musical phrases throughout the song.

Despite these differences, both songs share common themes and features that are characteristic of the blues genre. Both songs deal with themes of love, loss, and suffering. They both feature simple, repetitive lyrics and a call-and-response structure that invites audience participation. Additionally, both songs showcase the unique vocal styles and musical abilities of their respective artists.

2. The musical, lyrical, and emotional high points of each song are unique and contribute to their enduring popularity. In “St Louis Blues,” the emotional high point comes during the second half of the song, when the singer laments, “I hate to see that evening sun go down.” The mournful trumpet solo that follows adds to the sadness and longing of the song. This section of the song is a musical and emotional climax that perfectly captures the feeling of loss and despair.

In “The Black Snake Moan,” the musical high point comes early in the song when Blind Lemon Jefferson performs a fast and intricate guitar solo. This section showcases his impressive guitar skills and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The emotional high point comes towards the end of the song when Blind Lemon Jefferson pleads with the woman to “take me back, baby, one more time.” The desperation and vulnerability in his voice make this a powerful moment in the song.

3. Both “St Louis Blues” and “The Black Snake Moan” are considered authentic blues recordings, as they were created by artists who were steeped in the blues tradition and drew on their own experiences to create their music. WC Handy, the “father of the blues,” was instrumental in popularizing the genre, while Blind Lemon Jefferson was a pioneering figure in the development of the Texas blues style. Both songs incorporate the signature elements of the blues genre, such as simple, repetitive lyrics, a call-and-response structure, and a focus on personal experience.
4. As an AI language model, I don’t have personal preferences or emotions. However, it is worth noting that both “St Louis Blues” and “The Black Snake Moan” are excellent examples of the blues genre, and each has its unique strengths and appeal. Fans of classic blues will likely enjoy both songs and appreciate the distinct styles of their respective artists.