Music 271: 3/12/07 II: The Acculturative Process: African-American adaptations of European traditions and instruments: A: The simultaneous preservation of African musical practices and values: • “Turkey in the Straw” - Fiddle tune fondly remembered by former slaves B: African-American musical activity during the ante-bellum period: why was the violin so appealing (Part II): (GB p. 63-64) • Fiddle is capable of playing music from the West African traditions • Possible for a fiddler to swing, play blue notes • Africans had a bowed string instrument back in their homeland (Called: Gonje, Goge, Riti) • Used to waken the chief, alert the village etc. • Fiddle = 4-stringed gonje from the African viewpoint C: Returning the favor: black influences upon white music in the southern Appalachians: • Blacks taught the whites how to play the fiddle more rhythmically than previously • Documentary notes: • First encounter of a fiddle by a white Appalachian • Meeting point for cultures • Ballad of John Henry - “Steel driving man” • Dancing - Played for square dances, waltzes et al. 1. American vernacular dancing: another arena of acculturation: • Combines European dances with the African steps • Movement begins at the hips and the two halves of the body (upper and lower) move against that