The last programme in the series
concerned black music influences mainly in Spain, the Netherlands and Britain
during the 1970's. Franco died in 1975 and flamenco music had been encouraged
as part of Spanish heritage, though actually this music was from diverse roots,
having Jewish, African and other elements. Franco's death brought new freedoms
in music.
Portugal's
dictator was toppled in 1974 and the colonies such as Mozambique and Cape Verde
became independent and repression was lifted. Cape Verdeans arrived in Portugal
to find that they had access to modern instruments such as synthesisers and
drum machines which had been unavailable back home. They embraced this wider
musical world, especially by holding dances.
One
third of the population of Suriname emigrated to the Netherlands on gaining
independence and they started to play jazz/funk, notably a skilled flute player
who enjoyed the music of James Brown, Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley and the
Beatles. In 1977 Ronald Snijders produced an album of jazz/funk which had
elements of classical music. He also played a fusion of funk with Surinamese
native music which was not generally popular because of racist prejudice.
1970's
Britain saw the rise of the National Front and the opposing Rock Against Racism
movement, with bands such as the Jamaican Steel Pulse. Similar movements arose
in Germany and France. Remember the song Young, Gifted And
Black from this period, sung by Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths?
From London came the 'Willesden Sound' which was a combination of Jamaican
music overlayed with string instruments. 'Lovers' Rock' was born in London, a
mix of soul and pop, which was especially popular with female listeners,
producing songs such as I'm So Sorry (Louise Marks) and Janet
Kay's Silly Games. The latter had a complex drum pattern
and some very high notes for the singer, as we heard in the recording.
In
conclusion Clarke Peters emphasised that black music was an indelible part of
European music and the listener would surely add that this trend has continued
to the present day. Jazz is a large part of that continuation.
Ann
Alex
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