Tremé Brass Band Gathering and Basin Street Memorial
Why is it significant?
Conclude your journey through New Orleans' sacred jazz cradle along historic Basin Street, bordering the southern edge of Tremé.
Key Facts
| Place | Tremé Brass Band Gathering and Basin Street Memorial |
|---|---|
| Address | 1000 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States |
| Geo Coordinates | 29.96250, -90.07250 |
| Part of Walk | Tremé, Congo Square and Armstrong Park: The African American Cradle of Jazz |
| Generated | Generated |
Conclude your journey through New Orleans' sacred jazz cradle along historic Basin Street, bordering the southern edge of Tremé. Immortalized in Spencer Williams' timeless 1928 jazz classic "Basin Street Blues"—recorded by Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Ray Charles—this world-renowned thoroughfare marks the legendary crossroads where nineteenth-century marching brass bands met the improvisational soul of modern jazz.
Look south toward the French Quarter: in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Basin Street was the bustling promenade fronting the red-light district of Storyville, where legendary pianists like Jelly Roll Morton invented ragtime rhythms in upscale sporting houses.
But here on the Tremé side of Basin Street, music belonged to the community. This corridor is the true spiritual home of the New Orleans Brass Band tradition and the world-famous "second line." When a respected elder or musician passes away, neighborhood brass bands like the Tremé Brass Band, the Rebirth Brass Band, and the Dirty Dozen assemble to "cut the body loose." Beginning with a slow, somber dirge such as "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" played on muted trumpets and muffled snare drums, the procession marches solemnly from church to cemetery. Once the body is laid to rest, the snare drummer snaps into a syncopated polyrhythmic cadence, the sousaphone drops a heavy bass groove, and the band erupts into jubilant celebration with "When the Saints Go Marching In." The crowd of dancing followers—the second line—twirls handkerchiefs and open umbrellas in an ecstatic affirmation of life conquering death.
Standing on Basin Street as a passing brass band's horn line echoes off the church towers, the joyous, unconquerable spirit of New Orleans fills your heart. Tremé gave the world jazz, and its music remains an eternal gift of freedom.
Linger along Basin Street listening to the street brass or explore the evening jazz clubs of nearby Rampart Street.