new roots

New Roots: Where Folk Met Funk and Everyone Got Down

New Roots, also known as “roots rock” or “folk rock”, is a musical genre born in the 1960s, a fusion of folk music’s acoustic simplicity and rock’s amplified energy. It wasn’t just a musical blend, though – it was a cultural movement.

The Roots of the Roots:

• The Folk Boom: The 1960s saw a resurgence of folk music, driven by artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary. Their lyrics, often dealing with social justice and political issues, resonated with a generation yearning for change.
• The British Invasion: The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and other British bands brought a new sound to rock music, with their catchy melodies and rebellious attitude.
• The Electric Revolution: The use of electric guitars, amplifiers, and distortion effects transformed the sound of rock music, opening the door for a more dynamic and powerful expression.

Where Folk Met Funk:

New Roots artists took inspiration from both folk and rock, blending acoustic instruments like the guitar, banjo, and harmonica with electric guitars, drums, and bass. This fusion resulted in a unique sound, full of energy and emotion.

Key Players:

• The Byrds: Often considered the pioneers of New Roots, they electrified folk music with their hit “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
• Crosby, Stills & Nash: Their harmonies and introspective lyrics, combined with their use of acoustic instruments, became a defining sound of the genre.
• The Band: This Canadian-American group, known for their powerful live performances, blended folk, rock, and blues into a unique musical tapestry.

Fun Facts:

• **The Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man” was originally a Bob Dylan song, which he gifted to them. Dylan wasn’t thrilled when the Byrds made it a huge hit.
• **Neil Young, a founding member of Crosby, Stills & Nash, was initially banned from playing with the group because he couldn’t play chords properly.
• **The Band’s drummer, Levon Helm, was a talented musician, but he had a hilarious habit of forgetting lyrics during performances. He often improvised funny lines, much to the delight of the audience.

A Legacy of Influence:

New Roots music influenced a wide range of genres, from country rock to Americana. It continues to inspire contemporary artists, reminding us of the power of music to connect, to inspire, and to make a difference.

Beyond the Music:

New Roots was also a cultural phenomenon. Its artists spoke out against war, racism, and other social injustices, making it a voice for a generation demanding change.

The Spirit Lives On:

Today, New Roots remains a vital genre, with artists like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and The Avett Brothers carrying the torch. Their music carries the spirit of its predecessors: a blend of acoustic simplicity and rock energy, all seasoned with a dose of social awareness.