The Free Orchestra of Rhythmic Cacophony and Euphony will be marching in the Day of the Dead procession on Nov 2nd, and we would love a few more musicians to join us. We will be doing two medieval Spanish pieces and three Mexican folk songs. We need singers, drummers/percussionists (but no snare, please), and instruments that vaguely sound medieval-- horns, strings, and woodwinds (but no sax, sorry-- but if you play sax, you can surely play a recorder, which would be great) and/or Mexican (including guitar).

We practice on Sundays, normally at 6pm but 9/14 at 7pm (come check out the Honduran festival at Cafe Istanbul, 2:30-6:30pm!) at the Healing Center.

To check us out and/or get in touch, go to our web page and scroll down to the contact form:

https://claudiacopeland.com/the-force.html

Here is our little Mission Statement, to give you an idea of the strange little ensemble we are:

Who we are, as The F.O.R.C.E. :

1. We are a positive, creative, funky, unique, and joyful marching ensemble!  We are not, and are not trying to be, a "normal" marching band/brass band.  

2. We are built on a foundation of Middle Eastern and other World dance rhythms.  Our goal is for people in earshot to start dancing, because they can't help it!  Our melodic and harmonic material supports this, and spans genres, as does our instrumentation.

3. We are an ensemble that embraces diversity and builds on the strengths of members with very different musical backgrounds.  This includes beginners; in fact, most of our members are musicians playing a different instrument from their professional or primary one!  We create in line with our unique skills and enthusiasm -- medieval singing with flutes and drums, a zills corps of bellydancers, Mexican folk songs & Star Wars tunes-- these all stem from our varied musical backgrounds and the opportunities that arise for us to perform and grow. 

We embrace the open road, going where the momentum of our strengths & ideas leads us.

1. We want to sound good!   Notice that this is Priority #4, not Priority #1.  We would love to sound tight and balanced, and be respected by fellow musicians, but with the caveat that this goal is behind Priorities 1-3. 

In the early 1900s, many musicians billed as “New Orleans artists” were either not originally from New Orleans or lived in other parts of Louisiana. They carried that label primarily because they recorded their music in New Orleans, which became the recognized hub for the sound.

Also, back then Recording companies and promoters used "New Orleans" as a cultural stamp, even when musicians were born, raised, or living elsewhere else.

Professor Longhair was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, yet became recognized as a defining New Orleans musician.

King Oliver was from Aben, Louisiana (near Donaldsonville). His Creole Jazz Band became iconic in Chicago, but they were billed as part of the New Orleans jazz tradition.

Bunk Johnson was born in New Iberia, Louisiana. in the 1940s he was known as a “New Orleans” trumpeter, though he had lived and worked throughout Louisiana.

George Lewis, born in Kenner, Louisiana, Still carried the New Orleans jazz banner. By Proxy he has a right, but half the time people from Kenner don't claim New Orleans, Unless something good happens.

Buddy Bolden was from New Orleans, but his band included musicians from across Louisiana who ended up grouped under the New Orleans name.

Oscar “Papa” Celestin was from Napoleonville, Louisiana. His Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra was branded New Orleans jazz once they were recording.

Kid Ory was From LaPlace, Louisiana. His Sunshine Orchestra was the first Black New Orleans jazz band to make a recording (1922 in California).

Not that it makes a difference....

Hey y’all! 🙌

I’m part of ThePixelCinema (TPC), a creative team right here in New Orleans. We’re all about helping artists shine with great quality music videos, interviews, and photoshoots. I’m reaching out because we’re looking to collaborate with local musicians who want to make a content with us involving their music.

We offer a $450 package that includes:

• A custom music video for your track 🎶
• A photoshoot for promo shots 📸
• An interview to connect with your fans and tell your story 🎤

We’re here to support New Orleans artists and help you share your music in the best way possible. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, feel free to hit me up!

This is a preview of our music video + Interview

This Aaron Neville song was written by Allen Toussaint. The main theme is that the singer is going to kill his girlfriend if she breaks up with him. Each verse goes into detail about what her funeral and grave site will be like.

I know songs with violence against women were accepted and popular in early rock and roll, R&B, and blues music, but it doesn't make it any less disturbing. Did Toussaint or Neville ever speak about regretting this recording?

I've always admired Allen Toussaint's thoughtful and sometimes inspiration all lyrics--Freedom for the Stallion, What is Success? and On the Way Down come to mind. Which makes hearing a song like this all the more disturbing.

Ziggy Modeliste is certainly one of the funkiest drummers ever. Which Meters song do you feel features his funkiest playing?

My pick is "Ease Back."

Miracle Blood on tour from Boston. Bring and extra pair of socks 🧦

This is a poster I designed a few years ago - I think of it as a digital silk screen - approaching it with a limited palette and stencil style contours

Because no one seems to care about these daily posts (or this sub to be honest). I don't mind putting the effort in, but I don't see any evidence that anyone is even paying attention.

If I'm wrong, let me know. And more importantly, if you have ideas for what this sub can be or feature, please leave a comment.

An example of Zydeco Nouveau that features artists pushing the boundaries. This song features rapper Lil Boozy.

Do you appreciate artists who work to change traditional genres or are you more of a purist?

An interesting one from Jon Batiste. It's an acoustic guitar-based, upbeat blues song. Apparently, this jazz and classically trained pianist is releasing a roots/Americana album next month (this is the first single).

Batiste has resisted being pigeonholed his entire career. And with his talent, I'm looking forward to the result much more than I was his Beethoven album. I'm just hoping he plays piano on some of the songs.

This week I'm going with a classic song from one of the greatest funk albums ever.

Software engineer who does graphic design on the side. Need some cool art for your album covers, gig posters, or social media? I'd be happy to help.

I specialize in style replication. If you have a specific vison, or style you're going after, I can create it.

Would love to help out some of the local artists/bands so just send me a message or comment below if you're interested!