New Orleans Project Annotated Bibliography
Amy Andrews
Professor Robin Armstrong
Music of Africa and the Diaspora
September 2009
Works Cited
*Armstrong, Louis. Louis Armstrong: The Ultimate Collection. Verve Music Group, 2000. CD. Features original recordings by Louis Armstrong. He worked with artists such as Jimmy Dorsey and Bing Crosby. I will be comparing Louis’s traditional and popular songs. He recorded songs such as “The Saints Keep Marching On”. He was such a big part of New Orleans music! His legacy will last forever! It is important to understand how he interacted with the audience and his fellow band members. I am particularly interested in how he intertwined scat singing with jazz music. One will notice that he does improvise trumpet solos as well.
*Armstrong, Louis, and Hoagy Carmichael. Ev’ntide. New York City. 18 May 1936. Performance. “Ev’ntide” is a fantastic example of Mr. Louis Armstrong’s musical mastery. The song was recorded on May 18, 1936 in New York City and was originally performed by Hoagy Carmichael.
This song features piano, trumpet, jazz drumming and Mr. Armstrong’s signature scat singing!
Mr. Armstrong was a master at improvising trumpet solos. Duke Ellington described him by saying: “If anyone was Mr. Jazz, it was Louis Armstrong. He was the epitome of Jazz and always will be” (Louis Armstrong–The Ultimate Collection, Liner notes Pg. 34).
Louis Armstrong, a native from New Orleans, rose above his impoverished childhood and eventually became a musical jazz legend. He worked with King Oliver, a celebrated jazz artist.
Mr. Armstrong defines New Orleans jazz in a casual and relaxed manner. He was clearly influenced by the African Diaspora and the sounds that he heard while growing up in the great city of New Orleans!
*Boyer, Horace Clarence. “Tracking the Tradition: New Orleans Sacred Music.” Black Music Research Journal 8 (1988): 135-147. JSTOR. Web. 23 Sept. 2009. . This article talks about the influence of Mahalia Jackson and the influence of Gospel music. According to this article, gospel music flourished in the 1930’s and R and B music became immensely popular in the 1950’s. The heritage and musical culture of New Orleans is certainly thriving. New Orleans is a town full of many musical choirs. I will talk about the Gospel music influence in more detail as I finish my project. This will partly cover the spirituality component for the “Components of Musical Culture”.
I have noticed that many musicians that I listen to such as Don Henley is inspired by Rhythm and Blues music. He has a deep soulful voice that is beautiful to listen to. Music is a universal language!
*Brothers, Thomas. Louis Armstrong’s New Orleans. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006. Print. “Louis Armstrong’s–New Orleans” by Thomas Brothers contributes biographical information about Satchmo. The author provides an in depth look into the life of one of music’s greatest visionaries.
By reading this book, I am able to understand the musical journey that he took. I must say that this book is extremely fascinating and it comments on Mr. Armstrong’s views on racism, music and so much more! One review of the book says “A passionate, intimate picture of the teeming musical brew of early 20th century New Orleans and how it was uniquely suited to nurture both jazz and Armstrong’s exceptional musical talents…A rich, satisfying and thought-provoking read”–Publishers Weekly, Starred Review.
It is simply amazing and I will talk about the book in more detail for my project. I am about halfway through the book!
*Bultman, Bethany Ewald. “Do Ya Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans? A Musicians’ Clinic Creates Nimble Solutions to Keep Music Alive.” Medical Problems of Performing Artists (Dec. 2007): 135. Academic OneFile. Web. 28 Sept. 2009. . This article focuses on the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic which was founded by Dr. Jack McConnell.
This is an extremely useful source and it examines health care for working New Orleans musicians. The NOMC was founded in 1998 and its mission is to provide musicians proper access to health care. It is very important to recognize that New Orleans musicians must have access to health services. This clearly relates to social organization. The performer’s well-being is so important and this article highlights on the obstacles and realities of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. According to the author, “Over the past 2 years, New Orleans’ musician-patients have encountered ongoing difficulties. The NOMC continues to struggle to help musicians cope with depression, separation from family, and crippled public health and education systems” (Pg. 2).
I believe that it is essential that we protect the music of New Orleans! New Orleans music is a gift to America! As a society, we must protect and preserve this musical treasure!
*Charles, Ray, and Bill Dahl. The Very Best of Ray Charles. Rhino, 2000. CD. Ray Charles was a soul music visionary! “The Very Best of Ray Charles” is simply an amazing collection of music! Song tracks include:
I’ve Got A Woman
A Fool For You
Drown in My Own Tears
Hallelujah I Love Her So
(Night Time Is) The Right Time
What’d I Say Parts I and II
Sticks and Stones
Georgia On My Mind
One Mint Julep
Hit the Road Jack
Unchain My Heart
I Can’t Stop Loving You
You Are My Sunshine
Busted
Seven Spanish Angels (Featuring Willie Nelson)
Ray Charles is one of those voices that I have grown up listening to and I admire immensely.
This sound recording features many soulful songs and they define the magic of music similar to New Orleans music. Mr. Charles has such a wonderful voice and he was simply an amazing pianist.
He was inspired by local pianist Wylie Pitman to play music. By the age of six, he became completely blind. His life is so fascinating and I see a lot of similarities between him and Mr. Louis Armstrong. They both came from impoverished backgrounds and they rose to musical stardom!
*Cipolla, Frank J., and Raoul F. Camus. “Funeral Bands.” The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. Ed. Ellen Koskoff. Vol. 3. New York: Garland, 2001. 568. Print. The United States and Canada. This article briefly describes New Orleans funeral band traditions. I found this to be very intriguing because I do not know that much about New Orleans Funeral Bands. Musicians such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Kid Ory started their career on the streets playing for funerals. This article provides information for the social organization component as well as activities and Ideas. New Orleans is a city of musical culture traditions.
*Foxx, Jamie, and Regina King, dirs. Ray. Taylor Hackford. 2004. Universal Studios. DVD. The film, “Ray” is about the life of musical legend Ray Charles. Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia. This film provides a fascinating look into the life of Mr. Ray Charles. By watching this film, I was able to understand his journey into musical fame. With songs such as “Unchain My Heart”, “Hit the Road Jack” and “Georgia on My Mind”, Mr. Charles became an instant musical sensation. Mr. Charles was friends with musicians such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Sadly, Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004.
*Holiday, Billie, et al., perf. The Ladies Sing the Blues. 1988. View Video Jazz Series. Videocassette. This is a fantastic video that focuses on female blues singers such as Bessie Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters and Peggy Lee. For example, Bessie Smith–“the Empress of the Blues” sung a fascinating version of “St. Louis Blues”. The film footage truly brings blues music into a clear perspective. I am particularly astounded by the powerful voice of Bessie Smith and Sarah Vaughan! This film includes astounding footage that must be seen! These live performances are astounding and magical!
*John, Dr., Buckwheat Zydeco, and Neville Brothers. New Orleans Party Songs. Rhino, 2001. CD. This is a fantastic album containing songs by Dr. John, Neville Brothers, Huey “Piano” Smith, Robert Parker and more. My aunt bought me this album about eight years ago for my birthday and it continues to be one of my favorite sound recordings. Some of the songs are: “Iko Iko”, “Fear, Hate, Envy, Jealousy”, “Barefootin’” and “Jambalaya”.
The songs capture the spirit and musical magic of New Orleans!
*Lichtenstein, Grace, and Laura Dankner. Mucho Gumbo: The Music of New Orleans. New York: W.W. Norton, 1993. Print. An excellent resource. This book features multiple and detailed descriptions of countless New Orleans musicians such as Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers ( Cyril, Art and Charles Neville), Fats Domino, Little Richard.
The Neville Brothers describe their sound as “it’s African, American Indian, French. It’s military, because there was a lot of military stuff happening here with parades, and the military drum cadences got mixed with African cadences” Pg. 161. This book literally chronicles New Orleans Music from its early infancy to the early 1990’s. This resource provides a wealth of information. It helps me paint a clearer picture of what New Orleans offers musically and culturally.
*Morton, Jelly Roll, et al. American Pop–An Audio History From Minstrel to Mojo: On Record, 1893-1946. Rec. 1920’s. West Hill Audio Archives, 1998. CD. This sound recording is an excellent resource because it covers American Pop standard songs from the years 1893-1946. It really is amazing to listen to! For example, “Society Blues” was recorded by Kid Ory’s Sunshine Orchestra in June of 1922.
Kid Ory’s Sunshine Orchestra was the first black New Orleans Jazz band to record a record! ( Pg. 25, liner notes). This recording covers a large span of musical pop standard history and it is essential that this music should be heard.
*Watson, Doc, Dewey Balfa, and Rodney Balfa, perf. The JVC/Smithsonian Folkways Video Anthology of Music and Dance of the Americas. 1995. Videocassette. JVC/SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS VIDEO ANTHOLOGY OF MUSIC & DANCE OF THE AMERICAS VOL 2 (1 VID/1 BOOK)
VOL 2 – United States (European Traditions in the New World)
UNITED STATES
European Traditions in the New World
Track Listing:
1 Contradance, Pop Goes The Weasel, Harold Luce 1:16
2 Ballad & Mountain Dulcimer, The Lakes of Champlain, Margaret MacArthur 3:57
3 Folk Song with Banjo, Old Smokey, Roscoe Holcomb 1:40
4 Appalachian Fiddle Tune, John Brown’s Dream, Tommy Jarrell, Mike Seeger, & Alice Gerrard 1:44
5 Appalachian Stepdancing & String Band, Chicken Reel, The Shady Mountain Ramblers 1:06
6 Square, Hook, & Broom Dances, Elmer Davis, Fred Allery, & Albert Roussin :50
7 Traditional Dance Tunes, The Wind That Shakes the Barley (and others), John McCutcheon 2:31
8 String Band, Johnson’s Old Grey Mule, The Lucas and Harmon Brothers Band 2:50
9 String Band, Alabama Jubilee, Pappy Sherrill & The Hired Hands 1:20
10 Country Blues, Daybreak Blues, Doc & Merle Watson 3:28
11 Clawhammer Banjo & Vocal, Banjo Pickin’ Girl, Lilly Mae Ledford, Mike Seeger, & Alice Gerrard :46
12 Bluegrass Song, John Henry, The Johnson Mountain Boys 1:47
13 Dobro Guitar Instrumental, Cincinnati Rag, Jerry Douglas & Vassar Clements 2:12
14 Topical Song, Black Waters, Jean Ritchie 3:25
15 Topical Cowboy Song, Marlboro Cowboy, Glenn Ohrlin 1:22
16 Terkish (Klezmer Dance), The Jew In Jerusalem, Kapelye 2:48
17 Chalangalang, Kilakila ‘o Eke, The Ho’opi’i Brothers 1:57
18 Cajun 2-Step and Song, Oh, Madeleine, Dewey Balfa, Rodney Balfa, & Tracy Schwarz 2:13
19 Cajun Tune with Fiddle Sticks, J’eté au bal (I Went to the Ball), Dewey & Tony Balfa 1:01
20 Cajun Song, Chere Bassette, Canray Fontenot with Michael Doucet & Beausoleil 2:31
21 Old-time Creole 2-Step, Think of Me Once a Day, The Ardoin Family 1:53
22 Fandango, Gilberto Cuiterrez Silva, and Grupo Mono Blanco 2:06
23 Polka & Conjunto, San Antonio Polka Band & The Cardenas Brothers 1:26
24 Ranchera, Voy a sacarme Ia espina (I’m Gonna Take the Thorn Out Of Me), Mingo Salvidar 4:11
25 Texas Honky-tonk Ballad, Soft Rain, Justin Trevino, & Band 4:22
26 Salsa, Tito Puente, Charlie Palmieri, & Orchestra 2:45
This video opened a new opportunity for me to experience World music. I was deeply impressed by this video because I was able to relate to the creativity of the music. The video features film clips from Doc Watson (A few years ago, I was able to see him perform at a local music festival in North Carolina!) to Cajun musician Dewey Balfa.
Mr. Balfa plays the fiddle while his son hits the strings with fiddle sticks.
The film footage certainly pertains to my project and I would like to share some clips with the class. I would like my fellow classmates to experience a bit of New Orleans music!
*Williamson, Nigel. “New Orleans.” The Rough Guide to the Blues. Ed. Greg Ward. New York: Rough Guides, 2007. 11-12,54-56. Print. This article features background information on the legacy of New Orleans music.
According to the article, “besides the influx of African slaves, many French-Canadians poured into Louisiana after they were expelled from Canada by the British in 1755” (Pg. 11).
This article briefly chronicles the progression of New Orleans music by emphasizing the influence of Creole singers and African Americans. The birth of the blues came from slave workers. In 1867, a publication was released called “Slave Songs of the United States” which included spirituals, “Coon songs” (Minstrel songs) Pg. 11.
I believe this article is adequate to include in my project and the information is very well organized. The foreword of the book from which the articles came was written by Led Zeppelin’s own Robert Plant!
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