Music

Outer Journey:

Music is the heart and soul of New Orleans.  It’s the pulse that keeps the city alive.  It was a different experience for me to be walking during the day and see different types of music being performed right on the streets.  Where I come from bands are booked in advanced then they are advertised usually through social media platforms.  While that is great to figure out when your favorite band is playing, a negative is you don’t get to discover new artists often.  I really enjoyed the street performers, especially (I believe it’s called) Brass Jazz.  It is not music I would normally listen to but I really liked it.  It just seemed to put a little pep...or should I say jazz in your step as your went about your day

My favorite was when we were able to go to Frenchman’s street and wander around the different bars and street to find music that spoke to us.  There were so many different styles that it was overwhelming.  I actually came across The New Orleans SwingingGypsies by fate as I chose a bar because I needed to use the restroom.  The music drew me in.  It was mesmerizing to watch the band and the audience.  The audience was swing dancing and it was beautiful.  Had I of knew the moves I would have been drawn out on the dance floor.  The music was mostly instrumental, but when they sang it was tantalizing.  The voices were pure magic that kept all eyes on them and kept the audience moving. 

Inner Journey:

I was told I believe by my teacher (may have been a tour guide) that New Orleans is called The Big Easy because it is easy to find work as a musician…but the pay isn’t always the greatest.  I can see how it is easy to become a musician in New Orleans.  However, there is something more than just that.  Music isn’t a career, it’s a way of life, an art form.  Music definitely spoke to me, moved me, and influenced me.  It was as if I was becoming part of the city, their musical pulse was becoming my pulse.  My heart would beat to the rhythm of the band rather than on its own.  It made me realize how simply we view music where I am from.  You hear a song on the radio and you like it, so you download it to your phone…done.  In New Orleans it helped me to disconnect from my phone.  I spent my time in the moment listening and taking in what these artists had to offer. It was if they were giving me a piece of them to carry with me.  My head was up and my eyes were locked in.  The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies had me in a trance to where I almost forgot to take a video of them altogether.  It was almost like meditation, I didn’t want to be bothered with conversation or my phone.  I truly wanted to feel the music.  I think the time I spent in New Orleans has changed the way I view music in general.  When I got back to the hotel after seeing them I immediately looked them up to see who there were.  I read their story and viewed their upcoming shows.  I think it is important to learn about the artists and not just focus in on one song that you liked.  Music should be experienced.