In this week’s installment of The Language of the Blues, barrelhouse blues fuels dance floors with raw piano rhythms, where the energy of the music stirs passion and sets the pace for the boogie-woogie evolution.
Browsing: Debra Devi
This week’s installment dives into the wild origins of “balling the jack.” From steam trains to juke joints, this phrase went from a railman’s command to crank up the speed to a symbol of living life at full throttle—whether in dance, bed, or the gamble of life itself. Explore how this fiery expression influenced the rhythms of jazz, blues, and swing, and check out how Bessie Smith and others brought it to the spotlight.
This week’s installment delves into the humble origins of the ‘one-strand-on-the-wall’ guitar, crafted from baling wire and ingenuity, and how it shaped legends like Hubert Sumlin, B.B. King, and Big Bill Broonzy.
Exploring the meaning of ‘bag’ in the blues world: from musical influences to street slang, Debra Devi unpacks the layers of this iconic term in this week’s installment of The Language of the Blues.
From the desperate measures of alcoholics during Prohibition to the blues singers who chronicled their struggles, this installment delves into the dark reality of survival, addiction, and the raw spirit of the era. Discover the story of “Canned Heat” and how alcorub became the last resort for those fighting the demons of the drink.
Catch three exciting, critically acclaimed blues/rock artists at Berlin Under A in New York City!
Devi is the author of the award-winning book ‘The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu’ (foreword by Dr. John), and will have copies on hand!
Author/rocker Debra Devi focuses on the meaning and significance of a unique word used in blues song.
On Wednesday, March 29 at 7 pm EST, American Blues Scene will stream Katie Henry, Debra Devi, Danielia Cotton, The Outcrops | Bowery Electric NYC – live from New York City!
The EP is a collection of live performances from her livestream show “Jamification Station” hosted by American Blues Scene.