Blues Chorus Analysis – Piano, Cornet & Vocal Interaction

Fifty question-and-answer flashcards focusing on song structure, lyrical content, time cues, instruments, and expressive blues techniques such as blue notes, melisma, pitch bends, scoops, and cornet responses.

What rhythmic feel is established at the very beginning of the song?

A swing rhythm.

Which two instruments create the swing groove in the introduction?

The piano and the cornet.

How many measures are in each chorus of this song?

12 measures.

What is the harmonic form of each chorus called?

The 12-bar blues.

What letter scheme do the three lyric lines of each chorus follow?

a a b.

In Chorus 1, which vocal technique is used on the opening word “I”?

A blue-note slide up to the pitch.

On which word in Chorus 1 does the singer add another blue-note inflection?

The word “did.”

Which instrument supplies the short melodic fills after vocal lines throughout the song?

The cornet.

What small ornament decorates the word “down” in Chorus 1b?

A quick “quiver” ornament.

Which lyric line opens Chorus 1?

“I was with you, baby, when you didn’t have a dime.”

Which lyric line closes Chorus 1?

“Now since you got plenty money, you have throw’d your good gal down.”

In Chorus 2, what repeated line begins both a-sections?

“Once ain’t for always, two ain’t for twice.”

On which word in Chorus 2b does the singer use a melisma?

The word “gal.”

Give the complete b-line of Chorus 2.

“When you get a good gal, you better treat her nice.”

At approximately what time stamp does Chorus 2 start?

About 0:43.

At what time does the first cornet response in Chorus 2 occur?

About 0:50.

What pitch device colors the syllable “lone-” in Chorus 3?

A pitch bend.

State the first a-line of Chorus 3.

“When you were lonesome, I tried to treat you kind.”

What change is complained about in Chorus 3b?

“But since you got money, you done change your mind.”

Around what time does the cornet respond after Chorus 3b?

About 1:44.

What lyrical decision does the singer announce at the start of Chorus 4?

“I’m gonna leave, baby, ain’t gonna say goodbye.”

On which word in Chorus 4a is there a quick melisma?

The word “baby.”

Which word in Chorus 4b receives a pitch bend?

“I’ll.”

What ornament gives the word “why” extra shimmer in Chorus 4b?

A “quiver” ornament.

Provide the full b-line of Chorus 4.

“But I’ll write you and tell you the reason why.”

Approximately when does Chorus 4 begin?

About 1:48.

What descriptive term is used for the cornet’s answers during Chorus 5?

Quiet cornet murmurs.

Which emphasized high note starts Chorus 5a?

A long, high note on the word “Days.”

Which two words are sustained to convey loneliness in Chorus 5?

“Days” and “nights.”

What vocal effect is used to scoop into the word “nights” in Chorus 5a?

A scoop up combined with rhythmic freedom.

State the closing b-line of Chorus 5.

“I’m a good ol’ gal, but I just been treated wrong.”

What small ornament colours the final word “wrong”?

A light embellishing ornament.

What time stamp marks the first quiet cornet murmur in Chorus 5?

Around 2:25–2:31.

Which expressive device dominates the singer’s phrasing across all choruses?

Frequent blue-note inflections.

What structural device is created by alternating vocal lines with cornet fills?

Call-and-response.

Define a “blue note” as used in the piece.

A pitch lowered or bent slightly for expressive, bluesy effect.

Define “melisma.”

Singing several pitches on a single syllable of text.

Define “pitch bend.”

Sliding the pitch subtly up or down instead of striking a single fixed note.

Define “scoop” in vocal performance.

Approaching a target note from below with a quick upward slide.

Define the “quiver” ornament heard in this song.

A rapid, delicate oscillation or shake on a note to add shimmer.

Which instrument besides the voice most often employs blues inflections in this recording?

The cornet.

What musical role does the piano primarily play in this piece?

Providing rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment for the swing feel.

True or False: The singer maintains strict, metronomic timing on every phrase.

False; she uses rhythmic freedom for expression.

Which chorus first introduces quiet rather than full cornet responses?

Chorus 5.

What overall mood do the lyrics convey as the song progresses?

Growing disappointment and a resolve to leave.

How does the singer characterize herself in Chorus 5b?

As a “good ol’ gal.”

What is the main complaint directed at the partner in the song?

The partner changed after gaining money and treated the singer badly.

What classic blues theme is illustrated by the line “When you get a good gal, you better treat her nice”?

A warning against taking love for granted.

What recurring lyrical motif emphasizes the partner’s change in wealth?

References to having money versus having none.

Overall, which musical form and expressive devices combine to make this performance distinctly “blues”?

The 12-bar blues structure coupled with blue notes, call-and-response, bends, slides, and ornaments.