The roots of Jazz

Continuing south in the country, after our second base Baltimore, from where we reach the cities of Washington DC and Philadelphia the days before, it’s now time for something completely different. A place I’ve never been before in the States. One of the oldest cities in North America, founded in 1718 by the French, the back then known as Nouvelle-Orleans as the capital of the French colony of Louisiana, although not for long French as it turned hands to the Spanish rule in 1760. Welcome to the masterpiece city of New Orleans, our home for the next 4 days.

One of the most mixed-races cities ever since its foundation, it is still the most authentic Acadian (Cajun) and Creole in the whole of the USA. The blend of French, Spanish, and African, the primary ethnic and cultural groups in old Creole culture, and the additional input from Native Americans and early German immigrants before the 19th century. And after the United States purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the mix kept growing with Italians from Sicily, Irish, new generation of Germans, Caribbean and Central Americans.

All of this left a clear mark in the city and its traditions, therefore being one of the most unique cities in the country. But for something it is world renown, aside of the birthplace of Jazz music; is its architecture. A truly masterpiece to be honest, with such grand mansions in Georgian, Federal and Spanish style. While the old town is known as the French Quarter, little is left from the French, as it was during the Spanish rule this area had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed most of the city. The Spanish influence is the prime style here, with the addition of the characteristic metallic balconies. In the districts surrounding the historic French Quarter, the most influential style is Georgian and Federal, and of course, a Business District with art-deco and international style towers and shiny skyscrapers.

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