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- Title
The Recording Studio on Stage: Liveness in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
- Authors
Teague, Jessica E.
- Abstract
The article explores the staging of music recording sessions in the play "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by August Wilson. Particular focus is given to the relationship between sound recordings and live performances. According to the author, Wilson's play illustrates tensions between improvised live performance and recorded sound within blues and jazz history. It is suggested that Wilson recreates the aesthetic of breaks in jazz music by creating disruptions in the recording session scenes and by having an important recording session take place offstage. Topics discussed include blues singer Gertrude Ma Rainey, the economic exploitation of African American musicians, and the theatrical technique of blackouts.
- Subjects
UNITED States; MA Rainey's Black Bottom (Play : Wilson); RAINEY, Ma, 1886-1939; WILSON, August, 1945-2005; SOUND recording &; reproducing; SOUND recording industry; BLUES music; JAZZ; PERFORMANCE; EXPLOITATION of humans; MUSIC history; DRAMA criticism; CORRUPTION
- Publication
American Quarterly, 2011, Vol 63, Issue 3, p555
- ISSN
0003-0678
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1353/aq.2011.0032