What makes the New Orleans trad jazz sound?
May 11th, 2008 | Published in Music History
Brass bands and gospel music sit right at the heart of New Orleans jazz. The marching band is where this jazz tradition began.
Throw in heart-felt emotion and blues influences: now allow the topline instruments to improvise joyfully round the chosen theme and the Dixeland sound emerges.
New Orleans Jazz History: Part 1
The clarinet and trumpet lead the way
The trademark of New Orleans sound is the dialogue between clarinet and trumpet on the topline. Without these two instruments at it, full-tilt, it just ain’t Dixie. You can add trombone and you can add saxophone, but the clarinet-trumpet conversation is the Dixieland jazz signature.
New Orleans is known as the birthplace of the blues. The Dixieland brass band sound has been steaming along successfully for so long that it is not at all surprising that this combination has become known as “Trad Jazz”. It’s joyful, life-affirming music that creates a wonderful carnival atmosphere.
If the old traditions are upheld, you’ll find the booming souzaphone pinning down the bass-line. These days, the double-bass often does the same job. The banjo strums the chords, sometimes with guitar or keyboard accompaniment. For sedentary performances, the drum-kit takes the place of the marching drum.
Trad jazz bands and Dixieland bands in the UK today
There are plenty of trad jazz bands and Dixieland bands in the UK. To find out more about them, take a look at Hop Till You Drop wedding music agency: list of trad jazz bands. As happy outdoors as indoors, the light-hearted trad jazz formula creates the perfect backdrop for festivals, parties and weddings.
A Trad jazz band adds New Orleans party magic to any celebration
