American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader Corey Harris will speak about the birth and evolution of the blues, relating it closely to the history that led to its formation.  As a musician rooted firmly in the traditional blues styles of the early twentieth century, he will also perform both original and traditional compositions to demonstrate.  

The presentation will highlight the individual art of playing, singing and composing the blues and how the blues is a language that different players and instruments can use to create a collaborative performance. Corey will demonstrate a concept of the blues that includes other types of Black music (reggae, ska, jazz) in the west that originated in Africa.  The contributions and similarities of Malian and other West African music's to the blues will be highlighted.   

At the end of the presentation, there will be a question and answer session.

 

Corey Harris is based in America. He is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band  leader who has carved out his own niche in blues. A powerful singer and accomplished guitarist, he has appeared at venues throughout the North America, Europe, Brazil, The Caribbean, West Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He has performed, recorded, and toured with many of the top names in music such as BB King, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Henry Butler, R.L.Burnside, John Jackson, Ali Farka Toure, Dave Matthews Band, Tracy Chapman, Olu Dara, Wilco, Natalie Merchant, and others.   

 

Corey Harris at the Montreal Jazz Festival