Mardi Gras Music: The Best Instrumental Songs
Looking for some great Mardi Gras music to help get you in the mood for the party? Check out our top picks for the best instrumental Mardi Gras songs!
Mardi Gras Music Basics
Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning your celebrations! One of the most important parts of any Mardi Gras party is the music. Whether you’re looking for traditional New Orleans Jazz or something a little more modern, there are plenty of great songs to choose from. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best instrumental songs for Mardi Gras.
What is Mardi Gras music?
Mardi Gras music is any music associated with the Mardi Gras season, which occurs before the Catholic Lenten season. Mardi Gras music is often upbeat and celebratory, and often features brass instruments. While brass instruments are not required for a piece of music to be considered Mardi Gras music, they are certainly a signature sound of the genre.
The history of Mardi Gras music
Mardi Gras music is a unique blend of African and European influences. The earliest Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans were accompanied by music from Africa, brought over by slaves who were brought to the city to work on plantations. As the city grew and more people from Europe arrived, they brought with them their own musical traditions. The two cultures began to mix, and the result is the distinctive sound of Mardi Gras music that we know today.
Mardi Gras music is usually upbeat and celebratory, with a strong rhythm that is perfect for dancing. The most popular instruments used in Mardi Gras music are brass instruments like trumpets and trombones, as well as drums. These instruments can create a loud, lively sound that really gets people in the party mood!
If you’re interested in learning more about Mardi Gras music, there are plenty of great resources available. You can find CDs of traditional Mardi Gras songs, or even download them online. You can also check out books or websites that offer history and background information on this type of music. And of course, the best way to really learn about Mardi Gras music is to experience it yourself at a parade or party!
The different types of Mardi Gras music
Mardi Gras music is a vital part of the Carnival celebration. It creates an atmosphere of revelry and fun, and gets everyone in the party mood. There are many different styles of Mardi Gras music, from traditional New Orleans Jazz to contemporary Bounce music. Here is a guide to some of the most popular genres.
New Orleans Jazz
New Orleans Jazz is the original Mardi Gras music. It originated in the early 20th century, and was made famous by legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet. Authentic New Orleans Jazz can still be heard today at some of the city’s traditional Jazz clubs, such as Preservation Hall.
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Rock ‘n’ Roll came to New Orleans in the 1950s, and quickly became popular with Mardi Gras revelers. Fats Domino and Lloyd Price were two of the most successful Rock ‘n’ Roll artists with ties to New Orleans. Rock ‘n’ Roll continues to be popular at Mardi Gras, with many modern bands adding their own twist to the sound.
R&B and Soul
Rhythm & Blues (R&B) and Soul music also have their roots in New Orleans. R&B emerged in the 1940s, led by artists such as Professor Longhair and Huey “Piano” Smith. Soul music came to prominence in the 1960s, with singers like Aaron Neville becoming international stars. Like Rock ‘n’ Roll, modern R&B and Soul artists often put their own spin on traditional Mardi Gras sounds.
Reggae and World Beat
Reggae and World Beat music has become increasingly popular at Mardi Gras in recent years. These genres add a global flavor to the festivities, and help create a truly unique atmosphere. Some of the most popular Reggae and World Beat groups come from Jamaica, Brazil, Nigeria,and Cuba
The Best Mardi Gras Songs
Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate, and what better way to do that than with music? There are so many great songs to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best. These are the best Mardi Gras songs that will get you in the mood to celebrate!
“Mardi Gras in New Orleans” by Professor Longhair
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and Professor Longhair is one of the genre’s most important innovators. His song “Mardi Gras in New Orleans” is a Mardi Gras staple, and has been covered by everyone from Fats Domino to The Beach Boys.
“Iko Iko” by The Dixie Cups
The Mardi Gras Indians are a community of black New Orleanians who dress up in costumes inspired by Native American culture and parade through the streets on Mardi Gras day. “Iko Iko” is a traditional Mardi Gras song that was popularized by The Dixie Cups in 1965. The song is about the rivalry between two Mardi Gras Indian tribes, the Mohawk Hunters and the Spyboyz.
“Go to the Mardi Gras” by Paul Simon
“Go to the Mardi Gras” is a song written by Paul Simon and Garfunkel for their fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970). The song peaked at number eighty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song features elements of both New Orleans jazz and R&B. The opening horns are reminiscent of a Second Line march, while the rest of the instruments take on a more laid-back groove. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is urging his girlfriend to come with him to the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
While “Go to the Mardi Gras” was not released as a single, it has become one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most well-known songs, thanks in part to its use in several films and television shows over the years.
“Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams
One of the most popular Mardi Gras songs, “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” was written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. The song is about a Cajun man named Jules who falls in love with a girl named Yvonne. Jambalaya is a traditional Cajun dish made with rice, chicken, sausage, and spices.
“Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and John Fogerty. The song became a hit for Fats Domino in 1955 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
“Second Line” by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
“Second Line” is a traditional jazz funeral song that is often played during Mardi Gras celebrations. The song gets its name from the tradition of a “second line” of people following behind the funeral procession, often dancing and playing music. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s version of “Second Line” is a lively, upbeat rendition that is perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras.
The Future of Mardi Gras Music
Mardi Gras is an annual event celebrated by people all over the world. The music of Mardi Gras has always been an important part of the celebration. In the past, Mardi Gras music was mostly vocal with only a few instrumental songs. However, in recent years, the popularity of instrumental Mardi Gras music has grown.
The changing landscape of Mardi Gras music
Mardi Gras music is evolving. For years, the sound of Mardi Gras has been synonymous with brass bands, but that is starting to change. New Orleans is a city that is constantly evolving and changing, and that includes the music scene.
There are still plenty of brass bands playing at Mardi Gras celebrations, but you’re just as likely to hear funk, hip-hop, rock, or even classical music. The changing landscape of Mardi Gras music reflects the changing demographics of the city. New Orleans is becoming more diverse, and so is its music.
This change started happening in the 1990s, when rappers and bounce artists started incorporating brass instruments into their songs. This new sound caught on with young people and helped to broaden the appeal of Mardi Gras music. Today, there are many different types of bands playing at Mardi Gras celebrations, and the future looks even more diverse.
So what does this mean for the future of Mardi Gras music? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing is certain: the sound of Mardi Gras will continue to evolve and change as the city itself changes and grows.
The impact of technology on Mardi Gras music
There’s no doubt that Mardi Gras music has changed a lot over the years, and technology has played a big role in that. From the advent of recorded music to the rise of social media, technology has had a profound impact on the way we enjoy Mardi Gras music.
In the early days of Mardi Gras, music was an essential part of the celebration, but it was also very different from the music we know today. Early Mardi Gras music was mostly vocal, and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that instrumental music began to play a more significant role. Of course, this was largely due to the fact that technology was beginning to have an impact on music as a whole. The invention of recording devices and the rise of radio meant that people were exposed to a wider range of music than ever before.
Mardi Gras music has always been about having fun and letting loose, but in recent years, there’s been a shift towards more electronic and dance-based sounds. This is largely thanks to advances in technology, which have made it easier for producers and DJs to create new and innovative sounds. Social media has also played a role in this trend, as it’s allowed people to share their favorite tracks with a wider audience.
It’s impossible to say exactly what the future of Mardi Gras music will be, but one thing is for sure: technology will continue to play a big role in shaping it. We can only wait and see what new sounds and trends emerge in the years to come.
The future of Mardi Gras music
Mardi Gras is a time-honored tradition celebrated by millions of people around the world. The holiday has been associated with vibrant colors, loud music, and extravagant costumes for centuries. As the popularity of Mardi Gras continues to grow, so does the demand for new and innovative ways to celebrate the holiday.
One of the most popular aspects of Mardi Gras is the music. The holiday would not be complete without the sound of traditional brass bands marching through the streets, or the sound of lively jazz music emanating from clubs and bars. As Mardi Gras evolves, so does the music. New Orleans is known for its rich history of music, and that tradition is being carried on by a new generation of musicians.
The future of Mardi Gras music is in good hands. There are many talented young musicians who are keeping the traditions alive while also adding their own twist to the sound. These musicians are ensuring that Mardi Gras will continue to be a celebration that everyone can enjoy for years to come.
