Wild Tchoupitoulas' The Wild Tchoupitoulas

The Wild Tchoupitoulas is a modern New Orleans sound that draws on carnival traditions and bridges genres and generations, with production from Allen Toussaint and support from The Meters. It helped establish the terms by which processional second-line music in New Orleans would be commercialized, raising questions about autonomy, authenticity, and appropriation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Wild Tchoupitoulas is a remarkable testament to the vibrant and dynamic modern sound of New Orleans. Spanning from the infectious Hey Pocky A-Way to the majestic Big Chief Got a Golden Crown, the album delves deep into the rich traditions of carnival, drawing inspiration from the Mardi Gras Indians. This musical journey takes listeners on a captivating journey, as the chanted melodies of street music are transformed into electrifying rhythm and blues, accented with funk, calypso, and reggae. What sets this album apart is its ability to bridge not only genres but also generations, seamlessly linking the improvisational flow of group leader George Landry, better known as Big Chief Jolly, to the harmonious vocals of his nephews Aaron, Art, Charles, and Cyril, who would later form the iconic Neville Brothers. The collaboration between Big Chief Jolly and the Neville Brothers on this album is a historic moment, as they come together for the first time, showcasing their exceptional talents and musical prowess. The production, overseen by the legendary Allen Toussaint, adds a layer of authenticity and finesse to the recordings, with the support of The Meters, New Orleans' preeminent funk ensemble. The result is an all-star brigade that breathes new life into these timeless anthems, creating arrangements that have become carnival standards over time.

However, The Wild Tchoupitoulas' impact extends beyond its musical excellence. This album played a crucial role in establishing the terms by which processional second-line music in New Orleans would be commercialized through the record industry and the tourist trade. It set in motion a complex process that has raised profound questions about autonomy, authenticity, and appropriation in the context of a new cultural economy. The Wild Tchoupitoulas challenges listeners to consider the boundaries between tradition and innovation, heritage and appropriation, and the preservation of cultural identity in the face of societal change.

In conclusion, The Wild Tchoupitoulas is a masterpiece that captures the essence of modern New Orleans music. It is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its ability to evolve and adapt. Through its fusion of genres, generations, and musical styles, the album has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Its impact on the establishment of commercialization processes in New Orleans and its exploration of autonomy, authenticity, and appropriation in a new cultural economy make it a valuable and thought-provoking piece of music history.

Weight: 142g
Dimension: 121 x 165 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501333361