New Orleans Music
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The music of New Orleans is a perfect soundtrack to the city. The history of the music perhaps is what makes it so particularly interesting. From the earliest days, New Orleans music has always been about the fusion of influences. Black slaves were brought to New Orleans from varied locations; as far north as Kentucky and Virginia, and also from the Caribbean. They brought with them their traditions of rhythm and call and response singing.
In New Orleans, black slaves were allowed Sunday afternoons off from their work and would practice these traditions along with dance in what is currently referred to as “Congo Square”, located behind the French Quarter.
It does not take much insight to imagine what happened next in the evolution of New Orleans music. As European instruments became incorporated into the exotic music of Congo Square, this music took one step closer to becoming what we know as Jazz. Just add a bit of ragtime and blues music to this recipe, and you have the birth of Jazz.
New Orleans is still very proud of its musical heritage and it was my good fortune to become involved in what has developed to be my favorite photographic subject. New Orleans’ music.
Whether it is in the candle light of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street or the bright lights of Tipitina’s, I have photographed it all.
My work with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation has led me to work with legends and up-and-comers alike. Perhaps what has been most interesting and inspiring to me is the work of those whose goal it is to preserve the heritage of New Orleans music. People such as Kent and Kidd Jordan who work for the New Orleans Heritage School of Music and truly the guardians of the musical flame. They pass along their wisdom to a new generation not only with instruction of the instruments but also the story behind them.
New Orleans music is also a family and I am so glad that I have gotten to become a member of that family.
Please enjoy my music photography gallery.
New Orleans Oddities
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Whether I have been going to a job, traveling to a friend’s house, or just exploring the neighborhoods, I have spent years driving through the streets of New Orleans and have naturally encountred some of the oddities that the city holds. Sometimes its a funny sign, sometimes its strange house, and sometimes its just something that is falling apart. No matter what it is, I usually have my camera with me to document it. It has become an ongoing project that never seems to get old for me and I have put it together in an album called “New Orleans Oddities”. Please enjoy the gallery.