New Orleans: Funeral Music
Leslie Elizondo, Jasmine Gonzales
Roots:
During the early 17th century funeral music came to be from West Africa, mainly in NIgeria by the Yoruba and Dahomy tribes in order to please the spirits into protecting the deceased soul passing into the next life. It also became a tradition to celebrate a proper burial for fellow tribesman. During the slave trade that took place in the mid 17th century many of the tribes were separated in different regions, however many who were located in Louisiana, culturally spread their influences with the people already in the area. Combining the funeral celebration and musical ideas bringing up a significant style used in Louisiana, mainly in New Orleans.
Influencers:
Jelly Roll Morton,Louis Armstrong, and Sidney Bechet.
Often songs by these musicians are played at funeral processions in New Orleans.
Song of transition. Goodbye. Africa.
Goodbye Africa
The song is about the deceased transitioning into the next life as a final farewell (goodbye)
from the fellow people. This dates back to the early beginnings of the funeral music by the tribes, using chanting as a form of good luck and pleasing towards the deceased and the spirits protecting the journey
Wake Service: As I Lay My Burden Down
Wake Service: As I lay my burden down
This song is an authentic funeral brass justifying that as the life passes it is best to let the "burdens lay" which means to leave all the problems in earth and enjoy the next life burden free.
An actual funeral procession that took place in New Orleans
At first the music is very slow, but after the body is laid to rest, (4:44) you can hear the change in the beat and tune. As well as the people and band who take on a more livelier attitude, and start to dance more joyously. These funerals re a great way to commemorate their loved ones in a non-forgettable way.
You better second line! Jazz funeral in New Orleans for Juanita Brooks
The Sweet By and By
Usually these hymns or dirges are very religious.
The magnificent seven, Dirty Dozen Brass Band are popular brass bands that often play funeral processions in New Orleans.
The Sweet By and By
Nearer, My God, to Thee
Nearer My God To Thee
These songs have deep African roots, and feeling. Usually these dirges are played before the second half of the march commences that celebrates the life of the loved ones.
People sometimes call it an ''old Negro spiritual''
When the Saints Go Marching In- Louis Armstrong
Songs like this are played returning from the cemetery, which has a more upbeat tempo.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/l/louis+armstrong/when+the+saints+go+marching+in_20085348.html
Louis Armstrong - When The Saints Go Marching In