''Tradition Is a Temple'' is an American
documentary film
A documentary film or documentary is a non-fictional motion-picture intended to "document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record". Bill Nichols has characterized the documentary in te ...
about
New Orleans jazz culture and modernization's effect on American traditions, written and directed by Darren Hoffman and released in 2013.
Synopsis
Contemporary
jazz musicians discuss their childhood introductions to music in
Baptist
Baptists form a major branch of Protestantism distinguished by baptizing professing Christian believers only ( believer's baptism), and doing so by complete immersion. Baptist churches also generally subscribe to the doctrines of soul compe ...
churches and through local traditions such as the
second line (parades)
The second line is a tradition in parades organized by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs (SAPCs) with brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade, or the members ...
and
jazz funeral
A jazz funeral is a funeral procession accompanied by a brass band, in the tradition of New Orleans, Louisiana.
History
The term "jazz funeral" was long in use by observers from elsewhere, but was generally disdained as inappropriate by most New ...
s, and the role of
Danny Barker
Daniel Moses Barker (January 13, 1909 – March 13, 1994) was an American jazz musician, vocalist, and author from New Orleans. He was a rhythm guitarist for Cab Calloway, Lucky Millinder and Benny Carter during the 1930s.
One of Barker's earl ...
(1909–1994) in keeping traditional
New Orleans Jazz alive through the 1970s and '80s.
[Tom Reney]
"New Orleans Brass , Tradition Is A Temple"
New England Publis Radio, April 17, 2014. Asking the artists point-blank, director Darren Hoffman explores the potential "death" of
traditional
A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common examples include holidays or ...
jazz through
modernization and
marginalization
Social exclusion or social marginalisation is the social disadvantage and relegation to the fringe of society. It is a term that has been used widely in Europe and was first used in France in the late 20th century. It is used across discipline ...
, and its preservation through mentorship and the continuation of traditions that intrigue and inspire young people to play the music of previous generations.
Performances and production
In addition to in depth personal interviews, ''Tradition is a Temple'' is composed of various multi-camera professional studio recordings. The performances were recorded by
steve Reynolds at the
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public research university in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a member of the University of Louisiana System and the Urban 13 association. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High rese ...
School of Music. The production took place completely post-
Hurricane Katrina, beginning in August 2006.
References
External links
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2013 films
American documentary films
Dixieland
Documentary films about African Americans
Documentary films about jazz music and musicians
Documentary films about New Orleans
2010s English-language films
2010s American films
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