MUSC 2140 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Lisa Lopes, Original Dixieland Jass Band, Big Band
20 Jan 2014
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Document Summary
In the earliest days jazz was very local and had a performing technique that was very unique to new orleans. New orleans jazz was the first of its kind and gained the attention of the whole country. It was derived from a polyphonic texture known as collective improvisation, which had its roots in african-american folk music. In the eighteenth century new orleans was under french and spanish rule, and imported culture from both those countries. It was one of the first cities in embrace grand operas, and the celebration of mardi gras outlines how dance and celebration is a large part of culture in the city. Unlike much of the northern united states, slaves were allowed to practice their own religion and participate in cultural activities. Congo square was a large field where slaves and blacks would gather to play music and dance. The earliest new orleans bands featured a violinist, but it was eliminated quickly.
