The Difference in Hearing Jazz on the Streets of New Orleans

One of my dreams is hearing a live jazz band on the streets of New Orleans. All of my friends who have experienced this tell me that there is a subtle but incredibly distinct difference between hearing something on a disc and seeing it live. Additionally, there is an added meaning to hearing music from its actual birthplace.

Image source: youTube.com

New Orleans has always been considered the "birthplace" of jazz. It was where Eastern Africans incorporated their sensual beats with the rather rigid conformity of European music. Jazz was born from two different parents, and what a child it was! Not only did it introduce a new level of sound but completely broke the boundaries between interracial and gender relations. Whites and blacks were seen grooving to the same sound, and women suddenly were encouraged to dance with men. It was an exciting period, an age of rebellion. Sometimes I find it funny how younger adults claim jazz to be the music of the old when it really should be likened to what rap or hip-hop is today. It was something new and dangerous at the time. In fact, it was considered to be highly dangerous when it was born.

Hearing this all in its homeland is a dream I will soon fulfill. As cliché as this sounds, I truly believe that the spirit of music does linger in the place where it began. To be sure, hearing a live jazz band anywhere is thrilling, but I do not doubt that there is something brilliant about hearing it on the streets where it all began.

Image source: visittheusa.com

Christopher J. Keehner here. I simply love jazz. There is no other way to describe how I feel other than sincere and genuine love. Learn more about my passion by following me on Twitter.

The Role New Orleans Played In Jazz Music

Image source: wikimedia.org 

Each musical genre has its own history, but one of my favorites is that of jazz music. For me, nothing exemplifies an epic cultural revolution than the one begot by jazz. Allow me to explain.

During the late 19th century, the city of New Orleans was undergoing a musical shift. While the rest of the country was moving toward solid military marches, New Orleans was being heavily influenced by the voodoo rhythms brought on by migrants from East Africa. It was in this state where New World slaves were allowed to own and play their own instruments, typically drums. Not only were voodoo rituals openly practiced, but they were also well attended by both the rich and poor. Thus, European-styled sounds began mixing and blending with African drums. A new musical sound was created, and it was christened “jazz." People were enthusiastic about it; jazz was incredibly different from what everyone else was listening to. It was music that people could dance to – and dance they did.

Image source: louisanatravel.com

I find it beautiful that the spirit of jazz has lived on in New Orleans. When I do get the chance to visit it, I am always struck by how unchanged the place seems. The people are lively, and it always feels that there is something worth celebrating. As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans also produced the most well-known groups and singers that personify the genre. And while there is a debate on when jazz officially started, whether it was in 1895 with Buddy Bolden or in 1917 with Nick LaRocca and his Dixieland Jazz Band, all musical experts will agree that without New Orleans’ tolerance during the late 19th century, jazz would have never been born. We should all be grateful for that.

Christopher J. Keehner here. I am an avid jazz fan and love learning new things about my favorite musical genre. Learn more about my passion by following me on Twitter.