There is a problem with this word genres. It doesn’t always adequately describe the music. Some music can’t be put in categories. I know we have to define a type, or otherwise how do we navigate around enormous web sites or music stores? Even then the owners of such retail outlets can’t always agree on which category to put an artist. However we persist with the word, I am probably guilty of overusing it.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of people lately in my travels and I’ve had some fascinating chats on the subject of music. I have been given several suggestions of new music to listen to, and they are all carefully noted in my little pink book. Unfortunately some conversations were abruptly curtailed, as they are in waiting rooms or during travelling, or frustratingly I did not ask or write down sufficient information. Which is why I am now confronted with a list of several wide genres of music for exploration, and I don’t know where to start. Names of artists and some titles would have been so helpful.
I have promised to listen to everything. In one or two cases I now regret saying this, but I will stick to my word. I will confess that I done a little prioritising, some genres are relegated to the bottom of the list. There is one though which I am most keen to delve into. “40s music”. Sadly I have been researching this for a while now without success.
The suggestion was made by a memorable gentleman. I recall the twinkle in his eye as he talked about a dance hall that he loved, and the wonderful music that was played there. Such special songs that the trauma of the recently ended war was swept away. He leaned over and whispered a few details about the women who danced there, and hinted at some indiscretions. The memories of which immediately lit up his face.
I’d love to listen to this music, but I don’t know what it is. Except that it is definitely not Vera Lynn. I have asked a few of his generation what sort of music they danced to after the war, and what the venues were like. Their replies have baffled me more. They must either have led an innocent life where they never heard of this sort of magical establishment, or they won’t own up to ever having gone there.
