"Bourbon Street Parade" is a popular jazz song written by drummer Paul Barbarin in 1949. The song is an example of how early marching bands influenced New Orleans jazz. It has become a Dixieland classic and New Orleans Jazz standard.
It is often performed as part of "Second line" parades in New Orleans. This song was originally performed by Paul Barbarin & His New Orleans Jazz Band. The melody of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" can be played simultaneously with "Bourbon Street Parade" and makes a pleasing counterpoint.
From 1954 till the end of his career, "Bourbon Street Parade" was the signature song of every concert of the Chris Barber Jazz Band.
Notable recordings Louis Armstrong Lucien Barbarin Chris Barber James Chirillo Harry Connick Jr Louis Cottrell, Jr Dukes of Dixieland Al Hirt The Hot Sardines Wynton Marsalis Preservation Hall Jazz Band Wilbur de Paris (recorded 1952)CD sleeve note by M Heatley for the double CD Essential New Orleans Jazz. CD issued by Notnowmusic issued 2015 (NOT2CD576)
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