barrelhouse

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(băr'əl-hous') pronunciation
n.
  1. A disreputable old-time saloon or bawdyhouse.
  2. An early style of jazz characterized by boisterous piano playing, free group improvisation, and an accented two-beat rhythm.

A style of piano blues, dating from the early 20th century, which is a simple form of boogie-woogie, in regular 4/4 metre rather than with eight beats to the bar. The term, also used to mean ‘crude’ or ‘rough’, has been incorporated into the titles of tunes associated with the style.



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Random House Word Menu by Stephen Glazier
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Barrelhouse can refer to:

  • A "juke joint", a bar or saloon. Originates from the storage of barrels of alcohol.
  • An early form of jazz with wild, improvised piano, and an accented two-beat rhythm (see Boogie-woogie).
  • A style of piano-playing associated with the above.
  • Barrelhouse Records, a record label.



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Mentioned in

Jump Man, Jump (1956 Album by Piano Red)
Dorothy Baker (Blues Artist, '30s)
Cincinnati Stomp (1977 Album by Big Joe Duskin)
Atlanta Bounce (1992 Album by Piano Red)