Earlier this month, The Spirit of Mardi Gras band performed at the California Center for the Arts to share the beauty of New Orleans jazz. Unless you have a connection in the community, it seems as if there is a lack of acknowledgment around New Orleans Jazz.
New Orleans jazz is defined as a lively, improvisational style of music. But after my experience at a tribute concert, I realize it is much more than that. Charles Bolden was the lead bandmate of a New Orleans band back in 1894. His contributions and pushstart to the genre are unmatched. His band played at parades which introduced other artists to experimental jazz.
National Historical Park Louisiana discusses different celebrations of heritage stating, “Dancing had long been a mainstay of New Orleans nightlife, and Bolden’s popularity was based on his ability to give dancers what they wanted.”
When I heard the band begin to play I had only a vague knowledge of this style of music, but as the performance went on, I quickly gained a liking to it. Luther S. Allison is the extremely talented lead pianist of the band. His feet played as a metronome and his hands seemed to be playing two different instruments, yet they shared one piano. The musical experience was immersive, watching bandmates share intimate looks with each other and the audience bouncing their heads to the rhythm of the music.
More specifically, the songs they played had a wide range of emotions. They started with no introduction and instead an upbeat, classic New Orleans feel song. This way, the audience knew what they were in for. When the song was finished, the band introduced themselves and their mission in spreading their music. From then on, the next hour and a half was filled with energetic songs, to somber melodies.
Canyon Hills student, Giovanni Guevara, shares his input on jazz as a whole, “I dabble in jazz, I like to listen to it especially while studying it helps me relax and get in the zone,” not only does he listen to the genre in private, but he continues, “I also enjoy when I go out and hear jazz in the background, its overall super relaxing.”
The love of jazz remains in all types of people. Though jazz is a bit old school, with the many different styles and subgenres of jazz, people can expand their interests in the world of music.
Apart from the music itself, I walked into the concert hall unaware of the beauty I would be witnessing.
California Center for the Arts describes the center as “a vibrant cultural hub that enriches lives, fosters creativity, and empowers communities through transformative artistic experiences.”
I immediately understood this as I entered the hall, seating 1,523 people who will all undergo this transformative artistic experience. They host a variety of performances from comedy shows to musical acts, sharing the power and culture of all types of people. Ambiance plays a huge role in the experience of a performance, and this venue did not let down. The changing color tones of the lights adapted to the different emotions portrayed in each song. The audience was also engaged in the band and respectful which made it really enjoyable.
With the combination of music and environment, my introduction to New Orleans jazz was thrilling. Finding new genres and styles of music is important when expanding your knowledge of different cultures. The Spirit of Mardi Gras introduced me and many others to the beauty of New Orleans jazz, truly living up to its upbeat and lively sense of style.
