You may handle this blog post any way you want. Listen to WWOZ radio for a while and respond to what you hear; do a little research about some kind of New Orleans music you’re interested in; explore some of the songs and artists we listend to in class on Monday; etc. Feel free to add an audio or video clip! The only rule is that you write 250 words.
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During today’s lecture and from listening to the music on WWOZ radio, I have gained a new understanding for New Orleans music and just music in general. After listening to the, music I realized that so much of the music that we listen to these days is heavily influenced by the famous music in the past. I’ve noticed this especially in jazz and blues genres. Since I am not from here, many of the music that I have heard are a bit different from what I am used to listening to. The jazz that I am more accustomed to is more like soft jazz. I also realized that the music that began here is a heavy influence in the culture, the people, and the tourist who visit the city just to get a glimpse of the “city of jazz”. It was different to listen to music that I don’t usually hear. It was nice, the music was good, and I liked the beat of the different songs I heard. I wouldn’t merge it with the other styles I usually listen too. I say this not because the music is bad or anything, but it’s an acquired genre and I just don’t think it’s for me. It really reminds me of the music my parents used to listen to on quiet nights at home, but I have no memories connecting me to the music, because as far as the songs I heard in class, only two of them were even the least bit familiar.
Jazmine, that’s a good point about the influence of New Orleans music on other genres. No doubt about that!
Even though, I was extremely late for class, due to the incohesiveness of people’s directions, I already was aware of the history of New Orlean music. I am from Alabama, but whenever someone mentions New Orleans, I think of Jazz. So when I entered the classroom and found out what the discussion was of the day, I wasn’t shock to here the soft Jazz of the last song played. I quite enjoyed the music or song rather I heard, and am looking foward to hearing more on the recommended radio station. I learned that the music of New Orleans tells a story of the people whom resides there and the flavor and flow of the city. Every city has a legacy and New Orleans have a strong music one
j3powell: can you elaborate on the stories told by New Orleans music?
In class this week we were given numerous amount of New Orleans music to listen to and were allowed to express our feelings on each song out loud. After listening to all of the spiritual music that drives New Orleans, I realize that these songs were not just regular notes or words put together with a catchy beat. These songs were based on strong instrumental pieces and emotional lyrics that described a special event, place or person. The musical notes of these songs did not feel as though it had came off of a paper, but as if it had came from someone’s heart who had a strong connection to every beat that left his/her instrument. Whether it was a transition from the peaceful sounds of classical music to the up beat resonance of jazz, there was still a strong distinction that allowed many listeners to label it as a “true New Orleans piece”. In addition, the lyrics of each song allowed many people to feel as though that they were in New Orleans itself, experiencing the excitement of the parades and events. Regardless of the purpose of the song, the lyrics allowed listeners to understand their joy, pain or even attachment that they had to a particular thing in the city. For those who live or had lived in New Orleans, these songs played a role as a memory of the “good times” they had experience with New Orleans’ unique culture.
Thuylinh: thanks for the thoughtful comments.
Last week in class we listened to various New Orleans music. New Orleans’s music vary in many ways from other people’s music. The style, rhythm, beat, and the way they put together their words to make a song is so unique. Especially, blues artist, which we are known to have a lot of. In my opinion there are some that hasn’t been discovered yet. As I listened to their style of music I noticed their songs is more like a story and it has a message. I really liked listening to those songs. I also liked the jazz music. Hearing those horns and trumpets were like listening to the ocean while relaxing on the lake. I really like Rebirth Brass Band. I am very familiar with them because they performed at my mother’s wedding. I also recognized their music from second lines that I have gone to in the pass. Rebirth Brass Band consist of many talented men and their music is really good to listen to at the end of a long stressful day. I have always heard about the Rebirth Brass Band, Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino’s music, but it was nice to familiarize myself with others. Dave Bartholew’s style of blues was different than Tabby Thomas because his was more like reciting poetry to a beat, but it was really good and funny. Overall the music of New Orleans was very good and I would consider listening to WWOZ when I get my own vehicle to learn more about my own culture’s music.
Terri: you don’t need a car to listen to WWOZ. Just go to their website and you can listen online!
For the past week, I’ve attempted to access music from http://www.wwoz.org, and I have not been very successful. I have come to the conclusion that either I have no clue how to listen to the radio online or my computer is so securely protected that it blocks the music. So for this blog, I guess I will discuss the New Orleans music from class. The main thing that I noticed about all of the music is the pureness. Nothing was synthesized or processed. There was no computer generated beats. All the beats I heard were produced by live percussions. I do not use the term musician loosely, but every song we heard in class was made by a musician. My favorite song we listened to had to be “Tell It Like It Is.” It is so soothing and relaxing. I am always in a good mood after I listen to that song. Another song that caught my attention was “The Monkey.” I’m not sure if it caught my attention because I liked it or because the song was so out there. “The Monkey” had a good message. It was a satire on human lifestyle, but the fact that a monkey was poking fun at humans makes it more memorable. The young musician, Troy, was also memorable. I find it amazing that he could be so young and possess so much talent. I liked how he revamped classic New Orleans jazz. “Lady Marmalade” surprised me as well. I never knew that New Orleans musicians were featured in that song. While I’m on the subject of “Lady Marmalade,” I never knew the song was set in New Orleans. When I was listening to the song in class, I believe I heard a reference to New Orleans. As many times as I’ve heard “Lady Marmalade,” I’m really shocked that I never caught on to the setting. After listening to New Orleans music, I am jealous. I’m from Mobile and we don’t have our own style of music. We borrow music from New Orleans. I wish Mobile had its own unique music.
Valencia: at least you have your own Mardi Gras in Mobile. And it’s older than the New Orleans version!
The music of New Orleans is very diverse and this diversity has helped the music stand the test of time. I believe that this diversity has helped the city live up to being known as the birthplace of rock and roll, jazz, and rhythm and blues. I truly enjoyed the artists and songs we discussed in class. Thanks to our discussion, I now know who Fats Domino is and his impact on the music world. Before someone showed me his house, and I had no clue who he was or why he was famous. So, now I see that his music brings life and excitement to all who listen. Although some people are close minded to New Orleans music, I gladly welcome it because it uplifts my spirits. Furthermore, New Orleans music is unique – it is simple yet influential. For example, Tabby Thomas (Rockin’ Tabby) has simple and fun words in “Hoodoo Party”. However, you can feel all his emotion in his harmonica. In “Going to Mardi Gras”, Professor Longhair opens the song with whistling. This is a great example of how something so simple makes a song memorable, distinct, and significant. If someone is searching for real musicians, New Orleans is the place to them. Here the people produce real music which consists of real instruments and raw talent. As a result, many commercial artists have remade and sampled from some of New Orleans’ music. For example, there are countless renditions of “Lady Marmalade” which was originally recorded by Allen Touissant, Patti Labelle, and the Meters. New Orleans music will continue to thrive because of its great originality and soul.
JaNae: those are some nice observations about Rockin’ Tabby and Professor Longhair. You were really listening!
What do I find interesting about New Orleans music? Even though I am a native of New Orleans, I have never actually sat down and listened to what New Orleans music has to offer. During class I came to appreciate the music that I have been missing all of my life. Even though I would hear some of this music when I went to the French Quarter, I never really listened to it. Now that I have heard some of this music, I will stop and listen whenever I hear it. The two things that stood out in New Orleans music were the beat and lyrics. Every style has its own beat whether its blues, jazz, funk, or rock n’ roll. These styles have their own unique beat that makes it recognizable to the ear. Lyrics also play a big role in the presentation of the song. It allows a person to connect with the song on a personal level which makes the song more meaningful to the listener. For example, in Dave Bartholomew’s “The Monkey” the lyrics make up most of the song. The lyrics are very amusing which make the listener feel happy. On the other hand, songs like Louis Armstrong’s “You’re Next” bring out a different feeling in the listener. This song has more of a depressing or sad tone and the lyrics work together with the beat to make the meaning of the song powerful.
I feel as if the New Orleans music is what makes New Orleans known. I understand why it is played in the streets of the French Quarter or many other streets in New Orleans, because of the tourist. As those from New Orleans, feel as if it’s an old tired out songs and that they have no meaning and is not what we listen to but it what makes me think of New Orleans. The music that represents Mardi Gras brings me back to the memories that I had with my family. This music that makes New Orleans unique and special that my parents play and their parents played for them. It’s the music that I hear on the television when they advertise to the different states, that New Orleans is the spot to see. It is not just the people that make New Orleans, but it is the people that play the music that makes New Orleans memorable. So yeah, I say that the music is something that I do not prefer or care to listen to. That the music that is so important to New Orleans history is not the CD’s playing in my car of radio. I also feel as if I may get tired of listening to that same tune over and over when Mardi gras is coming but I fully understand why it is played through the streets, the home and the minds of New Orleans. Because it’s just the history of what my parent, their parents and even their parents came to know.
Alan and Leilani: it’s very interesting to me how two New Orleanians react so differently to the music. Thanks for your comments!
I can understand why New Orleans is the world’s best tourist attraction. Many of its music are so unique. I think people come to New Orleans just to listen to the bands play. I wasn’t even born when these bands were formed. I never had the chance to listen to them. In class last week, I had my chance. I listen to several different songs originated from New Orleans. One of them was Jazz. I think Jazz has its own soul. We can all understand the true meaning of the song through the words that were sung. Other songs I listened to were up beat and high-tempo. From listening to these songs, I realized that most pianists were originated straightly out of New Orleans. Not to mention, New Orleans has the best Cajun food ever. It is the only place that celebrates Mardi-Gras. Mardi-Gras is a tradition that last for weeks in New Orleans. This is where they play most of the classic music of New Orleans. YEAH, New Orleans is the place to be. *Check It Out*
I dont really like the fact that we only celebrate old New Orleans. The New Orleans that we celebrate will only be heard in the French Quarters. I feel that were not really showing people from out of time the really New Olreans. I like some of the music but it just annoying, because its the same thing when they put New Olreans tv, they only show the French Quarters. They always say they are going to show the real New Orleans but i have yet to see it on tv. An it also takes away from the real meaning of New Orleans and how the people operate. It is a party city but its not just that, the people of this city are hardworking and i have an enoromus amount of pride for their city. You can tell because how we have overcome Katrina. My favorite New Orleans music of the type mt teacher is talking about is Rebirth. They are my favorite artist. Being that I used to be a Mardi Gras Indian and that i attend alot of Second Lines, Iam very used to this music and i hear it very often. But Rebirth doesn’t jsut play Second Line music that have colabaretd with artist such as Soulja Slim. This gives them a diversity of musci that they play. They are the face of New Orleans Music. They are world known and you will never here s people talking about brass bands and not bring up Rebirth.
Quincy: that’s a funny point about most of the bands we listened to being formed even before you were born. That’s probably true for all but the last one: Trombone Shorty is only a few years older than you!
Being apart of New Orleans was good to discuss its root music during class. It was interesting to me because whenever I would hear this type of music for instance at the paradise I would think it’s some regular old songs. I found out in class not only these songs are old but they also were born here in New Orleans. It’s different to my ears to listen to blues or Jazz because I’m used to R&B and Arabic songs. I noticed that the feeling of New Orleans root music is pure then the songs played today. The Instruments are played in a unique and more relaxed way. Listening to WWOZ got me thinking that the station really relates to the city itself. I was hearing Spanish songs and this is how I came up with it being a diverse station. It makes since for foreigners to discover the history of New Orleans in the downtown at the French Quarter where all kinds of music that’s played and arts that’s are displayed. Reading about WWOZ’S history and how it was created is very fascinating to me. To sum it up it first went on air Dec.4th 1980 on the second floor of a legendary music club of New Orleans. Now when Mardi Gras comes around I’m going to pay close attention to the songs and instruments played. Various things here in New Orleans makes strangers feel apart and welcomed by its music, art, seafood, and it‘s unique culture. Lastly, one thing that really shocked me during class was knowing that the song for Moulin Rouge played by Missy Elliot, Christina, and Maya was originally for a singer a never heard of Lady Marmalade.
parades***
Amel: thanks for the interesting points about the history of WWOZ. You may even find some Arabic songs being played occasionally on “OZ.”
After hearing the different types of music played in New Orleans, I have learned that people here come from many different backgrounds, just like the different types of music. Jazz, blues and many more. That were very unique in their own way. Im not from New Orleans, but listening to the music gives me the feeling that I some how do belong here. Growing up every time I would here the word jazz the first thing I would think of was New Orleans. After moving here and walking around down town and listening to different type of music gives you a different feeling. Ive even heard that people come here from all over the country just to listen to the different types to music being played in New Orleans.
Hira: those are some interesting thoughts, though I wish you would be more specific about the music you are referring to. What “different types”? What jazz?
First off, let me start by saying that I am absolutely a fan of New Orleans music. I love New Orleans music because of the culture and soul that it gives off. enjoy all genres of music from hip hop and r&b to country. I pride myself on having a very open mind when it comes to hearing different types of music. So when we were able to listen to different artists from New Orleans, I was very interested. I’m not sure how the artists of New Orleans music capture the emotion in their music. I’ve never really listened to too much jazz but I do enjoy it. The jazz that comes from New Orleans has so much emotion and soul that you can’t help but enjoy it, dance to it, and feel the exact message the artist is trying to send you. Not only do i think of the soul that the music of New Orleans has, but its music also reminds me of its history and culture. New Orleans music can be tied into so much of the culture here. For example, New Orleans music is used in the Mardi Gras celebrations as well as jazz funerals. In California the culture is rich with different flavors becase of the diversity. But the New Orleans musical experience is one that can only be found here. There ae so many great artists that come out of New Orleans, which also led to many genres of musc being based off of New Orleans style of music.
New Orleans music is very distinctive. I know that its originated from New Orleans when I hear the sound of the music. Jazz is a famous part of New Orleans. This is something that you can hear it all over the streets of this historic city. Some of the most famous jazz musicians in the world where discovered on the street corners of New Orleans. Their talents are influencing to the jazz musicians of today’s music industry.Those jazz musicians used to play with so much soul.In my opinion, there is nothing quite like the sound of New Orleans’ jazz. It makes you want to have a good time. You can hear this music all over the French Quarter. When I hear jazz, it reminds me of Mardi Gras, or some other kind of festival. Jazz may be a big part of New Orleans’ music, but it is not the only type of influence. Blues is also a famous type of music that was a part of New Orleans. The blues music that originated from here had so much depth to it. It wouldn’t be fair to my generation for me to talk about blues and jazz without talking about hip hop. Hip hop was a major influence to the youth culture of New Orleans, and all around the world. Juvenille and Lil Wayne are to artists who are from New Orleans, whose talents have been appreciated universally. They are both extremely proud of their city. New Orleans wouldn’t be the famous city it is without the strong musical influence it has on America.
Celeste and Brittany: thanks for your enthusiastic comments!
I am originally from Virginia but I currently live in Maryland where we have our own music also. I was very open to listening to this music because I love music and I know different places have their own unique style. While I was listening to this music I immediately heard the jazz foundation. It was rather soothing. You could definitely relate this music to other music played today and see how it has impacted the other music styles. It seems as though as music goes through time and evolves, the soul is taken away. It becomes more about money and entertaining that the sole purpose of what music, such as the New Orleans music, stands for decreases to the point where it is almost eliminated. However, you can still feel the soul and the love for music within the New Orleans music played on WWOZ. I can relate this music to the music played where I am from. Although the music where I live is totally different, it has gone through the same thing as the New Orleans music. The music played where I am from is called go-go. The go-go music today is not as “soul felt” as the go-go from back in the day. It represents the newer generation and you can see how the older go-go has influenced it, however, it’s not the same as the older go-go but, just like New Orleans’ present music, it’s still appreciated. The older New Orleans music is important because it allows us to see how music has changed within New Orleans and allows us to appreciate it to a greater extent.
Mikaella: thanks for the interesting comparison to go-go music!
When I think of New Orleans music I really see many different styles pop in my head. So many different cultures come together to form these different pieces. Jazz of course one of the main essentials of music what is said to be the roots of music. When listening to some songs they really an emotional effect on me. It makes you think especially if it is something you can relate to. It has the effect to make you cry with the emotion the artist sings with. This is apart of the few pieces of music when people sing with their actual feelings. My personal favorite is the brass bands ones like rebirth, the hot 8, and the Stoger’s. When you here these bands play it is just a fun situation for the most part. They are normally around at night clubs, during Mardi Gras parades, weddings, and parties mostly fun occasions. Things like the blues, jazz, and brass bands are just another form of people speaking their “TRUE” feelings. I have enjoyed listening to people like John Boutte and Jesse Moore who sings about Louisiana before and after Katrina. New Orleans music is relaxing, different, outgoing, persuasive and in its own little way meaningful. Many people would notice that the whole culture is based off of music. I love all types of music and New Orleans type really catches my eye with its passion and love. You can not get that feeling from anywhere else. Really sitting back and no matter how old a piece is even with the different music I still feel connected to it in some way and I love it.
Candance: I’m a big fan of John Boutte too!
When I think of New Orleans music, I think of diversity. New Orleans has all types of music. I have always loved to listen to their music. I really love the bounce. New Orleans music is a major part of their culture. While listening to jazz music, I realized thst jazz music has a lot of soul. I love the musicians such as Louis Armstrong because he can really play a good saxophone. Jazz music reflects the history of New Orleans. I am some what from New Orleans because I have lived here half of my life. I am used to hearing jazz music. I have been to a few second lines, and at second lines the people party all night long off of jazz. Also at the end of parties they always play a jazz song which lets everyone know the parties oven. A lot of people have learned to love jazz because it is the music that their parents listens. well my mother can sing and she always sings the oldies. She enjoys jazz music. I personally enjoy all of New Orleans music. After Katrina, New Orleans has lost a lot of their musicians that used to sit outside and play music all night. New Orleans has never lost its soul. People still come to New Orleans to view tourist cites. They also come to New Orleans to hear the sweet sounds of music. What I discovered about New Orleans is that it is unique.
Rhondalyn: Thanks for your enthusiastic comments. But Louis Armstrong was a trumpet player, not a sax player.
In class on Wednesday, we were introduced to New Orleans music. We heard music from different artists and different genres. I also listened to some of the music on WWOZ. I personally like hip-hop, R&B, and rap. Therefore, listening to this music was hard for me to appreciate when I first listened to them. However, after listening to more of the songs in class and on the radio I am getting used to it. I am glad that I had this opportunity to listen to it in class because if I didn’t I would not have known about they styles and artists New Orleans music. This would have been sad because I was born and raised in New Orleans. Even though most of this music is unfamiliar to me, there were a few songs that I knew. The first few songs that we listened to were different, and they didn’t have lyrics. Also, these songs were some of the earlier New Orleans music from artists like Louis Armstrong. However, as we continued to listen to more songs, I liked the beat and song because they sounded familiar to what we listen to today. Even though the beats are familiar, I thought some of the words were weird. Overall, the music introduced to me were not that bad. I would not mind listening to it now that I have heard it. Before I would just reject it because it was not familiar and now that I am getting used to it, this genre of music is not that bad.
Courtney: sounds like you have an open mind about music. That’s a good thing!
When I listen to New Orleans music I think about its culture. It reminds me of the celebration of jazz fest and mardi gras. New Orleans has a very unique culture. Without its music there would not be any excitement in the city and the reputation of our city would not exist. The discussion in class about New Orleans music was a very interesting topic. Listening to many different music that was introduced to the class was actually pretty cool. =)Listening to WWOZ radio music was different but I tried to relate to its cultural music. It is something I have to appreciate and understand its meaning. I have to admit I would never pay attention to music from the 60s or even the 80s. But what was introduced in class changed my perspectives about the past generations of music. It is what influences new type of music today and will continue on in the future.
In addition, it is what brings life and energy to the people of New Orleans. The city of New Orleans stands out because of it diverse of food and music. I can not imagine living with out its food and even hearing its music. It would not be home to me, because I am use to it my whole life especially growing up in this city that its tradition will forever go on.
Here’s Something Interesting I Discovered about New Orleans Music. I apologize for missing class on this day because this was an interesting topic to discuss and learn more about. A few students and I did not know where our class was at the time, and we read the syllabus which had the wrong information. We went to three different building asked other teachers in which they did not know. So we finally found another freshman seminar teacher who still did not know where our class was either, but he was generous enough to let us sit in on his class lesson and be sure to contact our teacher letting him know that we were in his class. To me New Orleans is known for two types of music one for the grown folks another for the young and that is our famous jazz music and our exotic bounce. Don’t get me wrong I have listened to jazz music it’s just not something I would listen to daily. It’s nothing personal but it’s not my generation of music but I strongly encourage on to listen to. Jazz music you can mostly find in the French Quarters where it is so relaxing and soothing to the mind in which the grown folks can relate to. Bounce music is more of my generation of music, it is mainly other songs in which they remix and add a fast tempo beat to it. Its live and fun music to dance to mainly played in the clubs or at parties. I strong don’t encourage a most older person to listen to because it may give them a headache.
Thuytien: I hope you keep an open mind to music!
Teranita: Sorry again for the mix-up on that day! Thanks for the comparison of Jazz and Bounce music. But don’t for get that New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana is ALSO know for R&B, Zydeco, Rock and Roll, Blues, Funk, and many other forms of music. New Orleans is much more than a two music town.
I feel that New Orleans music has a soothing melody that brings people to life. Without New Orleans music the people probably couldn’t take a step forward in their lives. When people are depressed, they tend to have a gloomy atmosphere around them, but New Orleans music can brighten up people’s darkest hours whether it’s remorse, grief, or sorrow. New Orleans music can also bring people together to laugh, dance, and just have a hell of a joyful time. Anyways, I don’t know much about Jazz but I feel that its music is rich with emotions and has heart. I feel that when the music artist plays instrumental, he puts his soul into playing it. It turns out to have a beautiful unique rhythm that’s sounds very pleasing.
Nicholas: can you find any examples to illustrate the points you make?
Well, I cannot quite elaborate on the stories the music told, because I have not yet listened to any so intently. But if I had to guess, I would think that the music told stories of the history, the sad times and the happy times. I would emphasize on the most memorable times unto which the song was invented.
Today’s lecture was primarily based upon New Orleans music. Jazz was known to be soothing and very upbeat. I was given the opportunity to listen to WWOZ radio station, where I heard many jazz songs. This station was not of interest to me because I am so accustomed to the music of my generation; however, I do not dislike the music. The station introduced a lot of unfamiliar songs. The musicians of the “jazz” era brilliant people who were intrigued by the sounds instruments made. Many artists of today are highly influenced by musicians like Fats Domino and B.B. King. Even though today’s artists did not grow up on jazz they still had to listen and relate to music before their time. The piano, trumpet, and saxophone were greatly used in many songs I listened to on WWOZ radio station. While in class today I listened to a collection of compact disks that belonged to my professor. He informed us of familiar and unfamiliar artists that were popular in New Orleans. The band that everyone recognized was Rebirth Brass Band. This group plays “Do Whatcha Wanna” is played during Mardi Gras. This event creates a very upbeat tempo for the community of New Orleans and it brings out the essence of jazz. This lecture informed me of the different types of jazz music and where jazz originated, in the city of New Orleans. I enjoyed this lecture very much even though some of the music was not of interest to me.
The definition of music is any rhythmic sequence of pleasing sounds. New Orleans music really does satisfy the definition of music. In Detroit my radio station is always tuned in to the local R and B or pop station. Music comes in all different genres which make it so unique. I am very versatile, so different kinds of music interest me.
When I came to New Orleans just riding around and looking at the architecture I realized that jazz was a very popular music here. When I was riding down town, I could see all kinds of instruments. The glistening gold saxophones, trombones, harmonicas, and drums enlightened me to the jazz age of New Orleans. My first time hanging out with friends was a couple of weekends ago. We went to a gathering down town where they had lots of music. There was one form of music that caught my attention. The tempo was very upbeat and the artist was rapping fast. I was so fascinated with the sound. I can remember turning around and asking my friends what kind of music was I listening to and they said it was bounce. “What kind of music is bounce?” I asked. Everyone told me that it was music remixed by local artist and sped up. I loved the sound. Moving from Michigan to New Orleans has given me the opportunity to meet a new culture. Jazz is now becoming apart of my life. I recently downloaded some of New Orleans famous jazz bands’ music on my I-pod. The luxurious sound of the instruments has allowed me to associate myself with the jazz and bounce loving people of New Orleans.