Season 3: Episode 11 - New Orleans Jazz Funerals

In this special episode of 'A Tisket Tasket' podcast, host Gina explores the rich history and cultural significance of the New Orleans Jazz Funeral Procession. Dedicated to her friend Janet, Gina delves into the origins and rituals of this unique mourning tradition that blends African, French, and Caribbean influences. The episode highlights the instrumental roles of the brass band, the symbolic transition from sorrow to joy, and the community's participation through the second line. Listeners will also learn about similar vibrant funeral traditions from around the world, underscoring the universal human experience of celebrating life and coping with loss.

Transcript

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Introduction and Tribute to Janet

Hello and welcome to a Tisket Tasket podcast, where I explore the stories, myths, and traditions that shape cultures around the world. Usually I do this by exploring the fascinating and mystical history of nursery rhymes and songs. I'm your host Gina, and today we're diving into one of the most unique and beautiful rituals in the United States, the New Orleans Jazz Funeral Procession.

 This is a special episode of a Tisket Tasket podcast. I'm dedicating it to my friend Janet, who passed away last week after a long battle with chronic illness. Janet was a wonderful person. She was always so energetic and enthusiastic about life. She had a very sassy nature, and I admired her greatly for it.

As my listeners may know, I struggle a lot with chronic pain and chronic illnesses and it is a daily battle for not only my physical health, but my mental one. Janet and I not only exchanged complaints about various ills, but we would also laugh together. She was freaking hilarious. I have never met anyone in life, chronically ill or not, who cracked as many jokes as she did.

She was also a strong woman. I told her most cherished family members, of whom I also love quite dearly, that I believe the most badass thing a human being can do is embrace death with patience, understanding, and receptiveness. Janet knew she didn't have long to live. She spent the last of her time comforting her grieving family.

She was at peace. Furthermore, she was also an amazing artist and she made me a plaque celebrating my podcast and everything. It's on my wall. It's great. And she loved New Orleans jazz style. She particularly liked the architecture. I specifically wanted to cover New Orleans jazz funerals as I believe it captures her personality and love of life.

For me as a chronic pain person, death doesn't scare me. My life should be celebrated as I'm really just happy I get to live another day with my loved ones. I also love the idea of a jazz funeral as a celebration of life, and I hope this podcast sheds some light on the interesting facet of folklore.

Thus, I wanted to dedicate a special episode to Janet, so this one is for you. Before you passed, you told me to keep doing what I love, or you'd come back and haunt me. I love you, and I'll miss you, but you will always be in my heart. As I, too, fight my battles. 

Understanding the New Orleans Jazz Funeral

Now, let's uncover the folklore behind this iconic New Orleans tradition and keep Janet in our  📍 hearts.

 First, let's start with the basics. What is a jazz funeral procession? Simply put, it's a funeral tradition that involves a brass band playing mournful tunes at the start of the procession, gradually building up into an uplifting celebratory rhythm. As the procession makes its way through the streets, mourners dance, clap, and join in the music.

It's a communal experience, and the music plays a critical role in helping the deceased spirit transition into the afterlife. But it wasn't always this way.

Jazz funerals have deep roots in African and African American traditions, particularly those of the enslaved people who lived in New Orleans during the 18th and 19th centuries. The practice combines elements from  African mourning rituals, French funeral customs, and Catholic influences, creating a truly unique ritual.

In his book, Creole New Orleans, Race and Americanization, historian James H. Dorman explains, quote, The jazz funeral procession is the culmination of blending of African, European, and Caribbean traditions shaped by the Creole culture of New Orleans. End quote. Dorman emphasizes that the combination of rhythms.

Dances and musical genres in New Orleans funerals was unlike anything found in any other part of the world, influenced by centuries of cross cultural interactions in the city. Jazz funeral processions, as they are uniquely tied to the culture and historical traditions of New Orleans, are not directly replicated elsewhere in the world.

Global Funeral Traditions with Music and Celebration

However, there are other regions and cultures with funeral or memorial traditions that share similar elements of celebration, music, In community involvement, these rituals often mix mourning and joyful celebration, much like new orleans's jazzed funerals. Here are some notable examples.  In Haiti, particularly during religious and ceremonial events, there are musical processions known as rara, RARA, while not strictly funerals.

These perceptions involve the playing of drums, horns, and other instruments similar to a jazz funeral, and they are an important part of Haitian voodoo culture. Rara often accompanies spiritual ceremonies and community gatherings, and sometimes it can be seen during funerals or memorials, where the music helps guide the spirits of the deceased.

The energetic, rhythmic beats of Rara bands create a celebratory atmosphere, merging mourning with joy. In many parts of West Africa, especially in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, funeral rites are deeply influenced by African traditions that include vibrant music, dancing, and a celebration of life.

Ghanaan funerals, for example, are renowned for the celebrations that feature drumming, singing, and dancing. The music helps to guide the deceased soul, and the community actively participates in the mourning and celebration. This isn't identical to New Orleans jazz funerals, but shares the concept of combining mourning with a joyous celebration of life.

In Nigeria's Yoruba culture, Y O R U B A, funeral possessions often include drumming and singing, meant to invite ancestors and spirits to join the celebration of the deceased's life. The Caribbean shares some cultural connections with New Orleans, of course, and it's not uncommon to see lively funeral celebrations in places like Jamaica and Cuba.

In Jamaica, wake ceremonies can feature music, dancing, and community participation, much like the jazz funeral processions in New Orleans. Though not as formalized as the New Orleans tradition, the wake can still be a celebration of life with elements of community solidarity and joy. Similarly, in Cuba, the Afro Cuban culture blends African and Catholic influences in its funeral rituals.

Processions are sometimes accompanied by drumming and music,  particularly when the deceased was involved in Afro Cuban religious practices like Santeria. Music is used to honor the spirits of the ancestors and celebrates life. While not a direct comparison to a jazz funeral, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated primarily in Mexico, shares a similar ethos of celebrating the lives of those who have passed.

The holiday is a vibrant, Colorful occasion where families remember and honor the deceased loved ones. Altars are set up with offerings and there are parades and processions, often accompanied by music. The mood is often joyful and celebratory, and the deceased are believed to return to the world of the living for a brief time to be celebrated.

Further, traditional Greek funerals are known for their deeply spiritual and community driven rituals. In certain regions, especially in rural areas, the funeral processions are accompanied by mournful music, and some have elements of joyful celebration as the deceased is honored. In Crete, for example, the funeral procession can feature lyres or lutes, and people in the community sing traditional songs that mix sorrow with reverence.

The music can often change in tone, shifting between mournful and more celebratory, as the community gathers to remember the deceased. In the Philippines, certain indigenous people, like the Igorot people, I G O R O T, have funeral rites that involve a strong communal aspect, with family members and friends participating in musical performances and dances.

These celebrations, which can include drums and gongs, aim to honor the deceased and celebrate their life, combining sadness with the joy in a communal expression of respect and remembrance. In South Africa, especially in the Xhosa culture, and it is spelled X H O S A, funerals are often accompanied by chanting, drumming, and song.

While they are deeply spiritual and mournful events,  they also carry an element of celebration as the community comes together to honor the deceased's journey into the afterlife. These funerals emphasize the connection between the living and the ancestors, and the music plays a central role in guiding the deceased's soul.

Much like the brass bands in New Orleans, in parts of southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, funeral and marriages processions can be accompanied by music, including psalm marches played by brass bands. There's a very iconic scene in the Godfather that shows this. Though these are typically slower and more reflective compared to New Orleans jazz funerals, they do represent an integration of music and ritual as a way to honor the deceased.

In Sicily, these processions are a part of the Festa di Morti traditions, blending sorrow with reverence in a public and communal display. While New Orleans jazz funeral processions are a singular and iconic tradition, many cultures around the world incorporate music, dance, and celebration into their funeral practices.

Whether it's the vibrant rhythms of West African drumming, the joyous Day of the Dead parades in Mexico, or the ceremonial chanting in South Africa, these global rituals share a common thread. They blend mourning with celebration, honoring the lives of the deceased while affirming the continuity of life.

Each tradition has its own unique flavor. But they all point to the universal human experience of coping with loss through  📍 community and music.  

The Symbolism and Instruments of Jazz Funerals

Historically, the jazz funeral has been a reflection of both grief and joy. The early part of the procession is slow, somber. It mirrors the grief of the family and friends and the feeling of loss.

But then something happens. The brass band shifts the tempo, picking up the beat and transitioning to more uplifting, lively music. According to Dr. Michael White, a renowned New Orleans clarinetist and ethnomusicologist, quote, the shift from sorrow to joy in jazz funeral is symbolic. The music is a way to celebrate the deceased life while also helping to transition the soul to the afterlife, end quote.

This transition is part of the belief that death is a passage, not an end. The joyous music and dancing during the second half of the procession represent the uplifting of the spirit, guiding it to a place of peace.  As Dr.

White also notes, quote, In the African tradition, music has long been a way to communicate with the divine to ease the passage  from this world to the next, end quote. This progression from mournful music to upbeat celebratory tunes in New Orleans jazz funeral is deeply rooted in the tradition's symbolic meaning, Reflecting the transition.

From life to death and the belief in the afterlife, the shift in music mirrors the journey of the deceased soul as it moves from the mourning phase, through the community's grief, to a place of celebration, then peace and joy. Here's a closer look at why music shifts in the traditional instruments involved.

The gradual change in tempo and tone from somber to joyful reflects the belief that death is not an end, but a passage to another realm. In the early part of the procession, the slow, mournful music represents the sorrow of the community and the grief of the loss. It acknowledges the sadness, the finality, and the mourning of the physical death.

However, as the procession continues, the music becomes more upbeat, symbolizing the spirit's ascension to the afterlife and the celebration of the deceased's life. New Orleans jazz funerals emphasize the idea that the deceased should be remembered and celebrated. After acknowledging the grief and sorrow, the community lifts its spirits through joyful music and dancing.

As Dr. White noted, the idea is that death is part of life and should be celebrated, not only mourned. The shift to upbeat music also reflects a spiritual belief that the deceased soul is being guided through the mourning process and sent off with joy and peace.

Music has long been used as a tool to connect with the spiritual world. In the case of jazz funerals, the upbeat tunes signal that the soul is being guided toward it. A better place. One filled with joy. Now the instruments used in jazz funerals are  typically part of the brass band ensemble, which is central to tradition.

These instruments are symbolic of the New Orleans music scene, blending African rhythms, brass band traditions, and the jazz idiom. Let's take a look at some of these instruments. First is the trumpet. The trumpet often leads the procession, playing the mournful, slow melodies at first, before gradually transitioning to faster, more celebratory rhythms.

The trumpet's bright, bold sound is the key to the joyous part of the procession, bringing energy and uplifting the mood as the funeral moves toward the cemetery. I think the trumpet is a perfectly versatile instrument that lends itself very well to Emphasizing the extremes between sorrow and joy. Next is the trombone.

And it adds a rich, deep sound to the ensemble. It plays a critical role in both the slower solemn phase and the more energetic phase of the procession. Trombone players often add expressive slides and flourishes, which help convey the emotional shifts from mourning to celebration. And the trombone is great because it is such a instrument of emphasis.

And With the trombone and trumpet, those two instruments really work well together to express emotion. Next is the clarinet, which is my favorite piece of a jazz ensemble. The clarinet brings a smooth, melodic voice to the music, and its fast,  syncopated notes are integral. To the lively upbeat tunes played in the second part of the procession. The clarinet often provides the melodies that invite dancers to join in the celebration. And to me, it is the voice. It reflects the human voice of emotion while trumpet and trombone reflects more of the music of emotion.

Next is the tuba or sousaphone, the tuba of a version of the tuba designed to be worn around the player's body. And if anyone is in marching band, they can easily picture this  provides the foundational bass line that grounds the music. The deep resonant sound of the sousaphone supports both the slower mournful tunes and the faster celebratory rhythms.

The tuba's steady beat also provides a rhythm for the dancers in the second line, which I'll talk about here in a minute. Next is the snare drum. The snare drum adds a sharp rhythmic component that drives the tempo forward. During the slowful mournful phase, the snare drum provides a steady but subtle rhythm, but as the tempo picks up, it becomes more prominent and energetic, keeping pace with the celebratory aspect of the procession.

Then the bass drum. The bass drum is often played alongside the snare drum, and it provides a strong deep beat that underpins the procession's rhythm. It is especially noticeable during the lively part of the funeral. When the rhythm becomes more energetic and the community begins to dance. And occasionally you have other percussion instruments, which may include things like cymbals, tambourines, and maracas, adding texture to further elevating the music during the more upbeat portion of the procession.

These instruments help to energize the crowd and contribute to the festive. atmosphere. And I wanted to talk about the instruments involved in a jazz funeral, because I think they're just integral to the whole process, and also I think of it like a choir. And I actually was fortunate to see a, I think it was a wedding procession when I was in New Orleans, and just hearing the music bouncing off 

the walls of the different buildings and watching the people. It's just so otherworldly. And this collection of music, these collection of sounds, are just so emphatic with emotion. And it literally brings goosebumps to my skin when I think about all these sounds playing together to create such a unique soundscape.

The shift from mournful music to upbeat celebratory tunes during a New Orleans jazz funeral procession is a very powerful symbolic gesture reflecting the journey of the deceased soul in the celebration of life. It's a transition from sorrow to joy. A reminder that life continues even in the face of death.

The brass band instruments, including the trumpet, trombone, clarinet, sousaphone, snare drum, and bass drum, each play a vital role, a vital voice, in this emotional journey, with their sounds helping to guide the spirit from mourning to celebratory. It's this unique fusion of sorrow, joy, community, and music that makes the New  📍 Orleans Jazz Funeral so special.

 

The Role of the Second Line in Jazz Funerals

One of the most important elements of a jazz funeral procession is called the second line. The second line refers to the group of people who follow the main procession, often dressed in bright celebratory clothes, they dance, wave handkerchiefs, or hold parasols as they move alongside the brass band.

This segment of the procession is an expression of life continuing, a representation of the community's resilience and joy. Even the face of loss. According to Ted B. Matthews, a folklorist who specializes in African American traditions in New Orleans, the second line is the most  According to Ted B.

Matthews, a folklorist's According to Ted P. Matthews, a folklorist who specializes in African American traditions in New Orleans, quote, the second line is the most visible part of the funeral procession because it represents the collective spirit of the community. It's about the people coming together to honor the deceased and celebrate their legacy.

The second line in a New Orleans jazz funeral is a key element of this procession, referring to the group of people who follow the main funeral procession, the quote first line, which consists of the immediate family,  Paul bearers, and the brass band. While the first line is composed of those closest to the deceased, the second line is made up of community members, friends, and even passerby who join in the procession to celebrate life.

The role of the second line may include the community participation, which is a communal expression of mourning and  in celebration, people in the second line follow the funeral procession and take part in the music and dancing. It's a chance for the community to honor the deceased by actively participating, not just observing.

The energy of the second line is crucial to the celebratory aspect of the jazz funeral. And of course, it's a celebration of life. While the mournful music at the start of the procession reflects the grief of losing someone, the second line is associated with the more upbeat celebratory part of the procession.

As the music shifts to a lively rhythm, people in the second line clap, dance, and wave handkerchiefs or parasols, as it's a celebration of a life well lived, not just a time to mourn. Further, the second line also symbolizes the ongoing cycle of life and death in the community. It Emphasizes that while death is a part of life, it also is a transition that should be celebrated.

And with the second line dance, the people in the second line dance to this music while many incorporate their own personal rhythm and styles. The movement is often described as a second line dance which features a side to side shuffle step with energetic spins, claps, and waves. This dancing is as much a form of self expression as it is a way to participate in the ritual.

I think mentioning the second line is just as important as mentioning the instruments because it brings another rhythmic component to this tapestry of celebration. And just like the musical instruments, it adds its own voice to the collective here. Now with this, there are some components being used, as I mentioned parasols and handkerchiefs.

Often people in the second line carry brightly colored parasols or umbrellas. This is a tradition associated with the celebration of life in the Jazz Funeral. The parasol is a symbol of joy and exuberance of life in the spirit of the deceased being carried forward. It also reflects the culture of New Orleans, which has a long tradition of vibrant parades and celebration.

It's important to note these are brightly colored parasols. And so it's very strange to see because you see all these bright, beautiful colors and hear this music. And it's just a unique voice. Further handkerchiefs are often used similarly. The people wave handkerchiefs, typically white, so we have white versus the color, during the second line.

The waving of the handkerchiefs is a form of participation in a celebration and a way to honor the deceased, signifying both mourning and joy. It can be seen as a tribute to the deceased's journey to the afterlife. Now in contemporary culture, The second line functions in traditional jazz funerals, remains a key cultural and spiritual practice in New Orleans.

It has also become a part of the broader cultural landscape. In addition to funerals, second lines are now often seen in celebrations, parades, and festivities, including Mardi Gras. These events can feature brass bands, dancing, and community involvement, continuing the legacy of the jazz funeral as a celebration of life.

In a New Orleans jazz funeral, the second line plays a critical role, both symbolically and literally. It represents the community's active participation in honoring the deceased, celebrating their life, and reinforcing the sense of continuity between life and death.

Through the joyful, energetic dancing, music, and waving handkerchiefs and parasols, the second line transforms the mourning process into a communal celebration of life, helping to guide, The deceased spirit with love and joy. Now, you may be wondering how this specific tradition became associated with  📍 jazz music.

 

Origins and Evolution of Jazz Funerals

New Orleans, of course, is known as the birthplace of jazz, but the origins of jazz funerals are intertwined with its city's historical context.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the African American community in New Orleans began incorporating brass bands into the funeral procession as a form of expression. Initially, the bands played traditional hymns or slower, more sacred music. But as jazz evolved, so did the funeral processions, with more upbeat, improvised music.

Jazz itself developed out of African rhythms, blues, and ragtime, creating a sound that was uniquely New Orleans. As  Armstrong, one of jazz pioneers, once said, What we play is life. And for many, the jazz funeral is a living representation of that sentiment.

It's a celebration of a life lived, even after death. Now, if you love documentaries as much as I do, I highly recommend Ken Burns documentary on jazz that covers more in depth how jazz came about. Ken Burns Jazz is a documentary series that delves into the history and evolution of jazz music, exploring its cultural significance, impact on society, and its role in shaping American history.

The series spans several decades, from the origins of jazz in New Orleans in the early 20th century to its global influence today. Burns highlights key figures in jazz, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker, and examines the social, political, and racial context that shaped the genre.

In the context of this podcast episode about New Orleans jazz funerals, jazz fits perfectly because it provides a deeper understanding of the roots of jazz and how the genre developed in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. The documentary touches on the cultural fusion of the city, where African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences melded to create the music we know today.

The jazz funeral procession, with its mix of sorrow, joy, and community involvement, reflects the essence of jazz itself.

Jazz connects the evolution of the music to the unique cultural practices in New Orleans, such as the Jazz Funeral, showing just how jazz music became an integral part of the city's tradition, including these funeral processions.

Now, as the procession nears the cemetery, the tempo of the music slows down again, signaling the final farewell. As the cemetery, the body is laid to rest, and the music reaches its final reflective note, but the belief remains that the deceased soul has been uplifted and guided by the joyful music that preceded this moment.

 There's a common saying in New Orleans, Laissez les bons temps rouler. Which means, let the good times roll. In the context of a jazz funeral, this phrase takes a deep spiritual meaning.

It's not just about enjoying life in the moment. It's about celebrating the continuity of life and death. And jazz plays a pivotal role in this,  as Ken Byrne says, Jazz is the sound of the soul in a country that has always been about struggle. It's a celebration of life, a celebration of the fact that we are still here, and we're going to make the best of it.

To this day, jazz funerals remain a vital part of New Orleans culture. While they're not as common as they once were, you can still hear brass bands playing at funerals in the city, especially in neighborhoods like the French Quarter.

They are a symbol of New Orleans enduring spirit and the city's ability to blend celebration with mourning. The folklore surrounding jazz funerals is much about the music as it is about community and spirituality. It's a practice that has evolved over time, but remains rooted in the belief that death is transition, not an end.

So the next time you find yourself in New Orleans, and you happen to catch the sound of brass band playing in the distance, you'll know that it's more than just music. It's a celebration of life, a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. It's a reminder that we are all part of a larger story.

Conclusion and Further Reading

That's it for today's episode of A Tisket Tasket Podcast. Thank you for joining me in celebrating the life of Janet. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating tradition, I highly recommend checking out The Music of Black Americans by Eileen Southern.

The Soul of the Second Line by Ted P. Matthews, and Ken Burns jazz series, which you can find free on PBS. Until next time, keep those stories alive, and as always,  📍 let the good times roll. Take care.