BOURBON STREET PARADE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“bourbon street parade” was composed by paul barbarin in 1949. Its first known recording was made by Paul Barbarin & His New Orleans Jazz Band in New Orleans the same year, capturing the second‑line parade tradition of the city.

Over time the piece has become a standard in the New Orleans jazz repertoire, adopted by many bands worldwide and regularly featured in parades, festivals and Dixieland‑style performances.

The composition evokes joy, celebration and communal festivity typical of New Orleans culture. Musically, it blends a march‑like rhythm with swing elements, relies on a memorable melodic head and provides ample room for collective improvisation and brass interplay.