PAUL BARBARIN
Genres: Dixieland, Original New Orleans Jazz • United States

One of the top New Orleans drummers, Paul Barbarin was also quite significant as both a bandleader (his groups almost always boasted high musicianship) and as a composer (he wrote "Bourbon Street Parade" and "The Second Line"). Part of a large musical family, Paul's father Isadore played brass instruments; three of his brothers were musicians (including Louis, who was also a fine drummer), and his nephew was banjoist Danny Barker. Paul started on clarinet before saving up enough money to buy a set of drums. He played in many important New Orleans groups, including the Silver Leaf Orchestra and the Young Olympia Band, and early on developed a basic, straightforward style that was perfectly suitable for both parades and dances; the press roll was his specialty. In 1917, Barbarin moved to Chicago, playing with local groups (including some that he led) and with Freddie Keppard and Jimmie Noone. From 1923-1924, read more...