Urban Blues

Description

Urban Blues is characterized by its use of electric instruments, a strong rhythm section, and often features horns. It typically has a more polished sound compared to its rural counterpart, Delta Blues, and incorporates elements of jazz and swing.

History

Urban Blues emerged as African Americans migrated from the rural South to urban areas like Chicago and Detroit during the Great Migration. This movement brought blues musicians into cities where they adapted their music to the urban environment, incorporating electric guitars and a more sophisticated band setup. The genre gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, influencing the development of rock and roll and rhythm and blues.