That’s the key in developing the distinctive New Orleans style of collective improvisation. That’s where each instrument would play simultaneous, interwoven melodic lines -- known as counterpoint. Several years ago, a friend of mine who was heavily into Rock music, after hearing the early jazz for the first time, responded “Why, it sounds like everybody’s playing something different.” OK, it’s called polyphony. At least it’s all in the same key.

Since it’s the roots of original New Orleans jazz, I thought the first few titles should be from the Crescent City artists.