Gente de NAHJ: In New Orleans, jazz can be heard in every corridor
There’s nothing that screams New Orleans quite like jazz, and it’s always blaring throughout Café du Monde.
Born and raised in the birthplace of the iconic genre, Christopher Burton is no stranger to the world-renowned spot. Between serenades, Burton catches up with those who make the city’s most famous beignets. He knows the task well — Burton went from pleasing their taste buds to teasing their ears.
He first picked up the saxophone 23 years ago. He went to school at the University of New Orleans with a minor in music, but his focus was classical. Now Burton fancies improvising.
He says the café was often a place musicians fought for.
“There was a time in the past when only the better street musicians wouldn’t even attempt to try play right here,” he said. “It’s a certain level of talent that you reserve for those people who work that. You know, they sound good.”
Beyond playing for pay, Burton said his reason for performing is much simpler.
“I almost don’t care what the crowd reaction is,” he said. “That’s my favorite part of playing here, simply playing.”
James Gordon is a senior at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. James is the editor in chief for the student publication, The Signpost. He aspires to cover news in and around the greater Salt Lake City metro area. James can be contacted at jeg.jamesgordon [at} gmail [dot] com.
