barrelhouse etymology

Etymology:

The term "barrelhouse" has two possible etymologies:

1. From the phrase "barrel house": This refers to a warehouse or storage facility where barrels of goods, such as whiskey or molasses, were kept.
2. From the word "barrelhouse": This is a synonym for "honky-tonk" or "roadhouse," a rural bar or dance hall featuring live music, gambling, and drinking.

Meaning:

The term "barrelhouse" has several meanings:

• A building where barrels are stored
• A rural bar or dance hall, especially one featuring live music
• A style of piano playing characterized by its fast, pounding rhythms and use of blues harmonies

Origin:

The exact origin of the term is unclear, but it first appeared in the late 19th century in the United States.

Barrelhouse as a Dance Hall:

The use of "barrelhouse" to refer to a bar or dance hall is thought to have originated in the American South. These establishments were often located in rural areas and served as gathering places for entertainment and social interaction.

Barrelhouse Piano Style:

The term "barrelhouse" is also associated with a particular style of piano playing that developed in the early 20th century. This style is characterized by its strong, rhythmic left-hand bass lines and improvisational right-hand melodies. It is often associated with blues and jazz music.

Notable barrelhouse pianists include Fats Waller, Meade "Lux" Lewis, and James P. Johnson.

barrelhouse relate terms

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