Being primarily a fan of rap, I’ve never been too familiar with jazz music. And like most hip-hop heads who aren’t familiar with jazz music, I can only cite a small number of jazz musicians that I know of – which is really pathetic on my part, seeing as I know for a fact that jazz is responsible for inspiring a lot of sensational hip-hop production.

Fortunately though, this past Saturday I was blessed with the opportunity to expand my horizons in music appreciation by attending the New Orleans Jazz Party at the Egyptian Theatre.

The event featured the Buck Creek Jazz Band from Washington, D.C. who, according to the program pamphlet I received, have appeared at every major traditional festival in the contiguous U.S. and Hawaii as well as performed outside of the country, and play in the style of Jelly Roll Morton, King Olive and other early New Orleans musicians.

I’m oblivious to the musical contributions of both Jelly Roll Morton and King Olive, but I can confidently say that I would now like to change that.

The members of the band were met with riveting applause as they walked on stage, all dressed in red collared button-ups and white khaki pants. They said nothing, and began the show right away, opening with “The Chant,” an exciting piece composed in 1923 by Jelly Roll Morton.

After this, the men introduced themselves as: Jim Ritter (Co-Leader/Cornet/Vocals) of Springfield, Va., Frank Mesich (Co-Leader/Trombone/Vocals) of Cary, N.C., John Skillman (Clarinet) of Dekalb, Scott Anthony (Guest Banjo/Guitar/Vocals) of Pacifica, Calif., Bill Richards (Piano) of Las Vegas, Nev., Gil Brown (Drums) of Alexandria, Va., and Tom Holtz (Tuba) of Jessup, Md.

The seven then engaged in some brief and humorous banter amongst one another (which would become frequent throughout the show as they explained the songs) and went right along with the show.

Overall, the music was very tasteful and harmonious. The fourth piece played, “Magnolias in the Moonlight” featured vocals by Dekalb’s very own Diana Brown and was an absolute delight to hear.

The band members definitely seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the entire show, which created a feel-good atmosphere as they cruised through such upbeat tempo songs as “Forty & Tight,” which featured a dazzling solo by banjoist Scott Anthony. They also played a few Louis Armstrong compositions (one of the few jazz musicians I’m familiar with) such as “Once In a While” and “Flatfoot.”

Surprisingly, a lot of the music they played, in my opinion, isn’t too incomparable to a lot of the rap I enjoy. Despite what most big fans of hip-hop might assume, the music wasn’t so reminiscent of the jazzy tunes created by A Tribe Called Quest, but more in the likeness of underground legend MF Doom and his own unique style of production.

The main difference that was conveyed to me through Buck Creek Jazz Band was a sensation of relaxation. It was enlightening to witness these different instruments bond together in a sweet matrimony for the ears.

It’s safe to say that, for the most part, the crowd was devoid of young people within my own age group. Following the show I was actually approached by an elderly gentleman who seemed to take an interest at my presence at an event that isn’t particularly a favorite amongst the vast majority of those in my generation.

He informed me that the kind of jazz we just heard was classified as traditional and that it was important for people to know that there exists more than one type of jazz. He inquired about what I thought of the show.

“I’ve never really listened to jazz, let alone attend a jazz concert,” I replied. “I really did enjoy myself though, the music was great.” I wasn’t just being polite.