Mardi Gras Indian culture was created by slaves who blended aspects of different cultures that inspired them. This concept of combining influences is what continues to evolve all types of cultures. Mardi Gras Indians have actually influenced many different types of music using the celebratory traditions that occur every year in New Orleans. Even today, musicians who were influenced by the Mardi Gras Indians continue to create new types of music that inspire others and the people around them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the early days of the United States of America, slaves in New Orleans were freed because recession left their masters unable to afford to keep them alive. The freed slaves fled into the wilderness where they discovered Native American tribes. These tribes welcomed the slaves, offering them shelter, food, water and culture. The slaves joined the Native American culture but also incorporated their African cultural aspects into the community (Lipsitz 99). Many details about how slaves and Native American tribes interacted are shrouded in mystery. Many African Americans today celebrate their Black Indian heritage. One such celebration of this heritage is the Indian Mardi Gras movement in New Orleans. Every year on Mardi Gras, dozens of Black Indian tribes celebrate with dancing, music and elaborate handmade costumes reminiscent of Native American clothing. Each member of the tribe makes their own costume throughout the year. The costumes are usually made with colorful feathers and beads. The black Indians then take to the streets in their costumes, singing in a call-and-response style, dancing, and playing drums and other musical instruments (Smith 43). This unique celebration has been kept alive through several generations. The most defining and important aspect of Indian Mardi Gras music is the rhythm. While some parade participants carry saxophones, trumpets or other melodic instruments, the heart of the music comes from those who carry drums and tambourines or simply clap their hands (Alessandro). The syncopated claves that come from rhythm instrumentalists draw influence from the New Orleans second line and traditional Native American rhythms. The unique rhythms provide the basis for melodic instruments such as saxophones to create melodies and solos. It also provides a foundation for people to take part in the Indian Mardi Gras singing (Smith 43). What makes Indian Mardi Gras culture unique is that it was created by combining traditions from two separate cultures. Mardi Gras Indians gather aspects of each culture and use them together to create a new tradition that celebrates heritage in an extremely creative way. Black Indians basically celebrate freedom. When their ancestors were enslaved, they practiced freedom through African song and dance in Congo Square. These art forms were then combined with European classical music to create Jazz and Blues (Lipsitz 99). Slaves who escaped into Native American tribes combined these two cultures to create new traditions that Mardi Gras Indians celebrate today. African peoples have created similar traditions and cultures in different parts of the world, often combining the traditions of African celebrations with the cultural aspects of the lands. outside Africa. One such celebration is Junkanoo. Held in Nassau, Bahamas on Christmas Day, Afro-Caribbeans dress in elaborate costumes, dance, sing and create music as they parade through the city. This particular tradition is celebrated at Christmasbecause, when slavery was still widespread, Christmas was one of the few days of the year when slaves were given a day off. Instead of celebrating Jesus, the slaves celebrated freedom with song and dance. Junkanoo is a festival that continues the tradition of celebrating freedom. While it does not feature the same customs or music as the Mardi Gras Indians, many similar themes and celebration traditions exist between the two (Sands 75). This is an example of how Africans are able to combine aspects of different cultures to help them evolve in multiple situations and parts of the world. There are many Indian Mardi Gras songs and musicians that have influenced all different genres of music in the past. Some Indian Mardi Gras songs such as Iko Iko became popular hits in America at the time (Lipsitz 99). Other pop songs drew heavy influence from the Indian rhythms of Mardi Gras. Several famous musicians, particularly jazz musicians, grew up as Mardi Gras Indians and still participate in the celebration today. Donald Harrison Jr. is a jazz saxophonist who grew up under his father, the chief of a Mardi Gras Indian tribe known as the Guardians of the Flame. Since his father died, Harrison has taken his place as chief and now leads the tribe in celebration every year, often with saxophone in hand. He plays the saxophone and leads traditional songs on stage and in parades while wearing his costume (Wyckoff). Harrison played with famous jazz groups such as Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He also leads his own band where he plays original music. Harrison also recorded an album completely inspired by the Mardi Gras Indians in which he collaborated with Dr. John and played original and classic songs such as Ja-Ki-Mo-Fi-Na-Hay (Hope). Black Indians used Mardi Gras Indian music to influence and evolve other musical genres and continues to do so today with music that defies labels. One jazz musician who has done this to the fullest extent so far is Christian Scott, also known as Christian Atunde Adjuah. Scott is Donald Harrison's trumpeter nephew. He grew up in Mardi Gras Indian culture and now uses that influence in his music. The cover of Christian Scott's 2012 album shows him wearing his Mardi Gras Indian costume which appears to be made primarily of peach-colored feathers (Jarenwattananon). You might be surprised by the sound of the music after looking at the album cover. Scott's music draws influence from many different genres, including Mardi Gras Indian music, but sounds very contemporary and appeals to younger audiences with influences from alternative rock bands such as Radiohead and Tortoise. Scott's most recent album is titled Stretch Music, which is also the title of the record label he recently founded. When asked to define what Stretch Music means, Scott responded: “Fuck yeah, it's jazz. But it's also indie rock. It's also hip-hop” (Shahabian). Christian Scott's music is a fusion of all the different genres that inspire the composer. One of the main genres used by Scott is Indian Mardi Gras music. That's because he grew up making his own Mardi Gras Indian costume and celebrating with the Black Indians every year. While not obvious to the average listener, Scott's music features beats inspired by his African-Native American heritage in many of his songs (Shahabian). Christian Scott's work is the strongest example of contemporary music created with a strong influence from the Indian Mardi Gras tradition which ensures the music continues to evolve. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize EssayBlack Indian music has played a significant role in the evolution of all music.