Social Complexities
With a range of cultures coming together, separating the different cultures became more prominent among some individuals. This took a toll on the emergence of jazz as many contributors came from different backgrounds as some were from Black neighborhoods, while others were creole (an individual with European/French and African roots). “The emergence of jazz in New Orleans attribute it to the forced collaboration of musically literate “downtown Frenchmen” (Creoles) and musically intuitive “uptown Blacks” (African American freedmen and migrants from rural parishes), inherent in racial leveling, civic disenfranchisement, and economic dislocation.”
“Creole people of color were now grouped with Black people and deemed as second-class citizens. But, now forced to work and play in Black communities, their technique fluency forever changed music. Brandon Marsalis says, “Creole musicians merged their classical virtuosity with the blues and sacred music of the Black bands.” (Burns 2001)
Example of the different types of Creole shades of individuals
Bands during this era
Kid Ory & Creole Jazz Band
Perormance of Caveau de la Huchette, Paris, 1955 (colorized)
