Classic Party Music for Mardi Gras 2010: New Orleans Style

The New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 party is already underway. It falls the day before Ash Wednesday (first day of Lent) and originated from people's tendency to binge before fasting for Lent. Referred to as Fat Tuesday to locals, the celebration begins a couple of weeks before the grand finale carnival and parade.

While I didn't go to New Orleans, Louisiana during the French Quarter's annual celebration, I did enjoy the music and liveliness of Bourbon Street. There are Mardi Gras celebrations in cities across America, usually the weekend before Ash Wednesday, and around the world.

It was music to the ears of many New Orleans Saints fans last night when their team won against the Minnesota Vikings and is going to the Super Bowl for the first time. Locals and tourists, perhaps in town for the Mardi Gras parades, were found frolicking and dancing in the streets. "When the Saints Go Marching In" has been covered by many performers and different versions are sure to be played for Mardi Gras 2010.

The unique jazz that originated in New Orleans is known as Dixieland or traditional jazz. New Orleans also has a rich musical history of R&B, blues, funk, rock, opera, and even heavy metal. The following traditional jams are essentials for your Mardi Gras jubilee. Click the song name to preview the song.

Harry Connick Jr.'s "Oh, My Nola" is a tribute to his hometown in New Orleans, a city famous for its rich musical history. A New Orleans jazz tune with the classic brass ensemble.

"Mardi Gras Day" (1987) and funky "Down in New Orleans" (2009 for Disney's The Princess and the Frog) both blend R&B and blues nicely; Dr. John (aka the Night Tripper)exemplifiestraditional styles. His musical career began in 1950 New Orleans. Preview Mardi Gras Day and 50 other Fat Tuesday tunes on Amazon; perfect for your celebration.

"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" is Fats Domino's take on this Hank Williams song; it is horn-heavy and hip-stirring. Also performed by Harry Connick, Jr. and many others. Additional popular Fats 50's songs that you will surely hear during Mardi Gras 2010 include the catchy, rocking tune "Ain't That a Shame," the groovy piano and horns of "Blueberry Hill," brassy "I'm Walkin'" and serenading "I Want to Walk You Home." Fats has a unique, distinguishable voice. (1952-1957).

Preservation Hall Jazz Band "Tiger Rag" is classic Dixieland with clarinet, piano, banjo, and brass.

"Let the Good Time Roll" (1976) and "When Love Comes to Town" (1990) the more mellow melodic "The Thrill is Gone" (1969) and "To Know You is to Love You" are perfect New Orleans Mardi Gras tunes from iconic blues singer and player B.B. King. At age 84 he is still rocking with Lucille, his guitar and singing the blues. The ex had his acoustic signed by B.B. when he toured Alaska in 1996! B.B. will be playing the second weekend at New Orleans Jazz Fest which is set for April 23-25, 2010 and April 29-May 2. This would actually be more my scene than Mardi Gras.

"Mardi Gras Mambo" and "Fire on the Bayou" (1975) by The Meters are toe tapping, spicy funk songs frequently played during the Mardi Gras Celebration. The lyrics wouldn't win any awards but the rhythm is finger snapping good.

Sources:

Music of New Orleans, Wikipedia

New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 Parade Route Schedule, neworleans.com

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Presented by Shell, Associated Content, Ranee Wright

2010 Music Schedule Announced! New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival