Rhythm and blues is a groove-led genre with deep roots in Black American music and strong UK influence.
- 3 articles
- Jazz, Blues, Soul & Funk
Articles on Rhythm and Blues
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The History of R&b Music
R&B began as an industry marketing term in 1949 and grew into one of the twentieth century's most influential musical traditions. Here's how it happened, decade by decade.
A Beginner's Guide to R&b Music
R&B music began as an industry label in 1949 and grew into one of popular music's richest traditions. Here's a gentle, jargon-free introduction to what it is and how to hear it.
R&b Music Subgenres, Explained
R&B covers seven decades of subgenres, each built by a different generation with different tools. Here's what genuinely separates doo-wop from neo-soul from everything in between.
Rhythm and blues in modern music
Rhythm and blues is a broad and influential genre rooted in Black American musical traditions, later shaping soul, funk and contemporary pop. In the UK, rhythm and blues remains important for vocal performance, groove-based writing and live band culture.
Groove, harmony and vocal style
Rhythm and blues often features strong backbeats, expressive vocals, blues-inflected harmony and tight instrumental arrangement. Musicians working in rhythm and blues may rely on electric guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and microphones that capture nuance and dynamics.
From heritage to present day
Rhythm and blues spans classic recordings and modern interpretations, making it a flexible category for artists and listeners alike. Its influence can be heard across UK soul, pop, jazz crossover and mainstream commercial songwriting.
Northern Soul
Northern soul is a British dance scene built on rare, upbeat soul records. Explore the gear and culture behind this endu...
Motown
Motown blends soulful vocals, tight grooves and polished arrangement. Explore gear and techniques that capture its class...
Acid Jazz
Acid jazz combines jazz harmony with soul, funk and club-friendly groove. It suits UK bands and producers seeking musici...
Delta Blues
Delta blues is a raw, acoustic blues style from the Mississippi Delta, built on voice, slide guitar and deep expression.
Smooth Jazz
Relaxed jazz style with melodic hooks, polished production and a warm, easygoing groove.
Jazz Fusion
Jazz fusion mixes improvisation, complex harmony and rock or funk energy for technically adventurous players.
Gypsy Jazz
Explore gypsy jazz, the acoustic swing style known for elegant improvisation, rhythmic drive and rich guitar tone.
Chicago Blues
Chicago blues is an amplified urban blues style defined by electric guitars, harmonica, strong vocals and driving groove...
G Funk
Smooth, funk-influenced hip-hop gear and inspiration for bass-heavy grooves, synth textures and melodic production.
Contemporary R&b
Smooth, modern R&B with strong vocals, polished production and crossover influences from pop and hip-hop.
Cool Jazz
A smooth, understated jazz style built on relaxed tempos, elegant phrasing and refined ensemble interplay.
Future Funk
Sample-driven dance music with retro funk flavour, glossy production and a playful, upbeat feel.
