The Big Easy

New Orleans, "the Big Easy," has given us some of the best music ever.  Ever.  With a capital "E."  That was true a hundred years ago, and that is still true today, despite what Hurricane Katrina tried to do to that city almost six years ago.  I think it is incredibly important that we continue to honor the traditions and musical spirit of N'awlins.  Now here are some great musicians hailing from the Big Easy.





Louis Armstrong

First and foremost, Louis Armstrong is probably the biggest musical influence ever to come out of New Orleans.  They even named their airport after him.  When they name an airport "The Edge" International Airport in Ireland, then come talk to me about what a good guitar player that guy from U2 is.  But I digress.  Back to Satchmo.  Any trumpet player or jazz lover worth his salt will tell you that Armstrong is among the top 5 most important musicians in American history.  The average American knows him as the guy with the funny voice who sings "What A Wonderful World."  Yeah, that's great.  Wedding videos wouldn't be the same without it.  But his career and creative output has so much more depth to it.  Take some time to listen to his "Hot 5" or "Hot 7" recordings.  You can literally hear jazz being born.  Oh, and you know how a lot of jazz guys like to scat?  He started that too.  One of my favorite Armstrong recordings is a duet of George Gershwin's "Summertime" with Ella Fitzgerald.

Dr. John

No mention of New Orleans music would be complete without Dr. John.  He is among the newest class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  A singer-songwriter, pianist, and guitarist, he combines several different styles of music in his songs including blues, funk, zydeco, jazz, and even rock and roll.  His albums have always celebrated the spirit and traditions of New Orleans.  His stage shows included mardi gras costumes and voodoo ceremonies.  The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival held each June in Tennessee is named after his album "Destively Bonnaroo," which is a Creole term that roughly translates to "a really good time."

What's Going On

Brass bands have been a New Orleans staple since the days of the Civil War.  Their origins of course trace back to the military bands.  The earliest brass bands would swing Sousa marches to give them a new sound.  This tradition has continued through today, with many great brass bands making their home in the Big Easy.  My favorites are the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Rebirth Brass Band, and the Treme Brass Band.  This has got to be some of the most upbeat music you can listen to.  Put on "Ain't Nothin' But a Party" by the Dirty Dozen and try not to smile, or at least tap your foot.  Their cover album of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" that they released after Katrina is both poignant and fun.


The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a must on any list of New Orleans music.  Preservation Hall is a tiny music hall in the heart of the French Quarter where this band calls their home.  The band plays traditional dixieland music and consists of a rotating roster of musicians.  Next time you find yourself in New Orleans, be sure to swing by 726 St. Peter Street and check these cats out.  You will not be disappointed.

Galactic - Ruckus

There are some great modern groups continuing the heritage of the city.  Galactic is extremely funky and has put on some of the best shows I've ever seen.  A late night show at Bonnaroo in 2005 is probably in the top 5 concerts that I've experienced.  They started playing at midnight, and we watched the sun rise as they finished their set.  I highly recommend any of their albums.  I've also been enjoying Trombone Shorty, who hails from the Treme neighborhood.  Shorty plays trombone and trumpet and tears it up on both.  His newest album, "Backatown," has recieved some heavy rotation on my playlists.  Another trombone player, Big Sam, and his Funky Nation have some great stuff too.  Big Sam definitely has a huge set of lungs on him.  I also enjoy the funky sounds of Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk.  Yes, that's their name.  And if that name sounds familiar, that's because the entire Neville Family are a New Orleans staple.  You should check out some Neville Brothers music too while you're at it.  And then there's the Meters.  They may be the funkiest of them all.

We're not done yet.  Harry Connick, Jr?  He's from New Orleans too.  A lot of his music doesn't always represent the Big Easy directly, but if you listen closely, it's in there.  And he's put out an album dedicated to New Orleans music.  And it's good.  Allen Toussaint is another pianist you should know from New Orleans.  You also need to listen to Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Kermit Ruffins (trumpet), Jellyroll Morton (piano), Professor Longhair (piano), and any member of the Marsalis family.

Wow.  I feel like I have just begun to scratch the surface of New Orleans music.  The fact that I only mentioned Jellyroll Morton in passing is really saying something.  He claimed to have invented jazz (he didn't).  So maybe there will be a part 2 with more details about all of these guys.  Or maybe I'll just let you explore on your own.

Happy listening!

For Your Consideration...

Greetings fellow music lovers!  In a world of increasing technology and social networking, I thought I'd put my opinions about music on the world wide web for your consideration.  As a music teacher and a lover of music, I've found myself exploring lots of music.  I love the power of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and get chills every time I hear the Lacrymosa from Mozart's Requiem.  I also think Miles Davis was a musical genius and I could listen to a different Miles album every day of the week.  And you know what, Cee Lo Green is pretty good too.  When I'm in the mood for bluegrass, I'll listen to Yonder Mountain Sting Band, or The Punch Brothers, or Bela Fleck in one of his many musical projects.  And that is only scratching the surface of what I find myself listening to.  Hip-hop, rock, funk, blues, reggae, folk, r&b, soundtracks, crooners, indie, broadway, soul, and world music are also represented in my collection.  And a few bands that play them all.  My musical preferences seem to change with my moods, sometimes by the hour.  Currently, I'm listening to the LOST soundtrack in my car (while simultaneously trying not to get lost).  You would probably think my iPod is bipolar or schizophrenic when I put it on shuffle.  And that's the way I like it.


When Jeff Coffin was giving a clinic at my school a few weeks ago (which was awesome, by the way), he asked the students what kind of jazz musicians they listened to.  I sat there cringing as students struggled to answer beyond one or two names.  Only three or four hands were raised when asked, "Who has heard of Charlie Parker?"  Sigh.  I realized that we are sometimes so busy teaching notes and rhythms preparing for concerts that we forget about the other stuff.  So I'm going to branch out a little bit here to expose you to sometimes important, sometimes moving, sometimes controversial, sometimes good, sometimes great, and sometimes unknown music.


I challenge you as the reader to check out the music I will suggest with an open ear and an open mind.  Will you like all of it?  Probably not.  Is that ok?  Sure.  But just like Mom used to say when trying new vegetables - "You won't know if you like it unless you try it."  Do you only listen to what the radio tells you to?  There's a much bigger musical world out there!

I promise I'll try some new stuff too.  Maybe I'll even give Justin Bieber an honest listen.

Stay tuned for the first real post about music.  For now, enjoy the 10 links I've shared with you to get started.


Bach was cooler than Bieber.