Posts Tagged ‘Blues’

The New Orleans Blues, the Spirit and All That Jazz

[New Orleans, July 29, 2008] At the turn of the twentieth century as the palatial plantations up and down the Mississippi River became only a memory, thousands of former workers migrated to New Orleans as did immigrants, seamen, trappers, gamblers, hustlers, scholars and musicians. This convergence with the native population set the stage that birthed the free spirit of Jazz and opened a new frontier.The Eagle Saloon, built in 1875 and known as the ‘delivery room’ of Jazz, had its roof blown off during The Storm of 2005. The second and third floors were ruined, but the original tin tile ceiling and Spanish tiled floors survived and the blues, the spirit and all that jazz re-ignites every Tuesday night lit by the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Blues and Jazz Band, featuring Guitar Slim, Jr., a showman extradonaire.The son of Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones, Jr.’s first release earned him a Grammy nomination. Last Tuesday night, Jr., along with Blues Boy George on lead guitar, Anthony on bass and Milton on drums, received multiple standing ovations during their three-and-a-half hour nonstop renditions of BB King, Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ray Charles, Motown, Marvin Gaye, Prince, gospel and more, during a private party at the Eagle which was arranged as a thanksgiving service by Pastor John E. Pierre, of the Living Witness Church of God in Christ on Oretha C. Haley Blvd, a three minute drive to the Eagle Saloon at 201 South Rampart Street. Pastor Pierre and many in the heart of the Central City neighborhood, once a haven for drug dealers and prostitutes, demonstrated their gratitude and love for two teams of volunteers who had come to work in the heat of July alongside recovering addicts to demolish the old so as to bring in new opportunities for the formerly homeless men who commit to a year long residential boot camp known as the Nehemiah Restoration Project, just one of many community outreach programs provided by Living Witness.The teams of committed Christians came on their own dime from the Crossings Church in Clermont, Florida and Cedar Brook of Wisconsin. It was the first mission trip for the newly established Crossings, but some from Wisconsin were on their sixth and eighth work pilgrimage of service to a community that The Storm of 2005 wrecked havoc upon. The volunteers all work alongside the men in recovery who are now building a barbershop and beauty parlor next door to the Living Witness Church of God.The regal and patient Pastor Pierre informed me, “The bottom line for us is getting families back together and in strengthening the family. We have found that the effects of Hurricane Katrina have become a unifying source. The churches in this neighborhood came together when this area became a ghost town. My family had been evacuated to Houston and it wasn’t until October 2005 that my Deacon and I were able to return through the back door; by coming through the West Bank, [the area was still under Marshall Law and no freedom of movement was allowed]. It was stinking smelly all over the block; our roof had been torn apart when a tree fell upon it. There was phone and electricity, but still no water. “I received a call from the Federal Government Health and Human Services Department and was informed that a pre-Katrina grant for Compassionate Capitol had been granted. I had forgotten all about it!”Half of our church membership has been displaced and decent and affordable housing is still not up to speed. Then there is that double edged sword of the tourism and convention concerns claiming New Orleans is back for they paint a false picture. The French Quarter and St. Charles areas where the tourists go, didn’t receive much damage, but where the people live, the community that is New Orleans is stuck in a time warp. Our Government did not keep its promises.”After the levees broke and President Bush spoke in Jackson Square, it was lit up by a generator, and when he was through; boom, boom, out went the lights again!Ask NOT what our Government will do for the under served people who are the spirit of New Orleans, but what we the people of these United States can do to help heal them.To have a great time and book a gig with the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Blues and Jazz Band, call Popagee at 504-861-2675 or 504-301-7088 and learn more: http://www.nomhf.org/To offer hands, feet and hearts to those who struggle with addictions and learn more about the program that has serviced over 900 men: http://lwcss.org

Eileen Fleming, Reporter and Editor WAWA:http://www.wearewideawake.org/
Author “Keep Hope Alive” and “Memoirs of a Nice Irish American ‘Girl’s’ Life in Occupied Territory”
Producer “30 Minutes With Vanunu” and “13 Minutes with Vanunu”
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The Different Genres of Music Ruling the Musical Charts Today

It is very difficult to categorize music and yet these days any album coming out is referred to by its particular genre. In order to really enjoy the different genre of music, it is important to understand them. This article will take you through all the major types of music that rule the hearts of millions of people around the world. You can decide which is best for music recording and which you can actually try to learn.

One of the most important categories of music is classical music. This is the type of music that needs a lot of hard work because of its inherent complexity. Classical music is not simple and definitely not for bathroom singers. It needs a lot of practice and learning to master this art. Most operas feature this music and the divas who sing the classical songs are highly respected for their range and layered performances. Classical music is taken very seriously by people who love it and if you are interested in it you may have to be coached rigorously to be stage ready.

Another type of music that has roots in very early days is the tribal music. Tribal music is inherent to particular tribes and does not need any expensive studio equipment for its creation. The tribal music of many African, Hawaiians and the American Indian tribes have qualities unique to them. Lots of African tribal music is fast paced while the Hawaiian music is very lively. American Indian music often has a haunting quality that stirs the soul. Similarly, the Nordic tribes or the Arabic ones have their own music that can be very spontaneous and emotive. If you love dancing to simple, nature based music, tribal music is best for you.

Hip-hop is a rather new kid on the block in comparison to the aforementioned veterans of music. However, it has caught the fancy of the young generation to a huge extent. Low waist pants, gesturing moves, a cool attitude and rhythmic word play – all come together to give a special quality to hip hop music. If you want to be considered hip and cool, you may want to consider a number of hip hop songs while you download music on your iPod.

Another famous music genre is Rock. Long hair, a guitar in hand and a loud voice are the main features of a rocker. The kind of frenzy a rock band evokes is hard to emulate. The pulsating music and aggressive moves make this music, one of the most popular on earth. If you are a member of a rock band, you have a ticket to instant fame.

You can also opt for the rustic and definitely much softer music genre called country music. Other musical forms are jazz which is one of the most soulful categories, blues which as the name suggests specializes in sad numbers, dance which you will love if you work as a disc jockey, folk which is another age old form of music and many others.

Learn about the methods of recording different genres of music. Various recording software are available to make your job simpler. Digital music production can be done easily by amateurs.
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