What do hear as the musical, lyrical, and/or emotional high point of each recording? Be specific both about the point in the song (pinpointing lyrics or using track timing) and why it is the high point for you.

“St. Louis Blues”: music and lyrics by W.C. Handy, recorded by Bessie Smith, 1925 “That Black Snake Moan”: written and recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson, 1926

1. Both of these recordings are in the blues genre and were recorded within a year of each other, yet they are very different. They also have many similarities; compare and contrast them.

2. What do hear as the musical, lyrical, and/or emotional high point of each recording? Be specific both about the point in the song (pinpointing lyrics or using track timing) and why it is the high point for you.

3. In your opinion, which of these two songs is a more “authentic” recording of the blues?

4. Which of the two do you prefer listening to, and for what reasons?