How Bristol could become the New Orleans of the UK

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THE 'voodoo rhythms' played by immigrants gave birth to jazz in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century, when music united the rich and the poor and put the city on the global map for its pioneering music.

A hundred years later and leaders of Bristol want to transform this city into the New Orleans of the UK with the help of not only local artists but also businesses.

The two cities both a have a rich musical history, according to Bristol's mayor George Ferguson, who is working with organisers from the International Jazz and Blues festival, to forge cultural and business links with the American music hub.

Mr Ferguson said rather than being twinned towns, which he claims Bristol already has too many of, he is hoping the two can become 'tuned towns'.

The idea was first dreamt up when Lillian Boutte, who is the musical ambassador for New Orleans – following in the footsteps of Louis Armstrong. She has now become one of Bristol's International Jazz and Blues Festival's patrons.

It is hoped in the future more performers will cross the Atlantic to play in Bristol and our artists will travel over there.

To get the ball rolling the mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu has been invited to visit Bristol.

There is already an undercurrent of the hectic beats of multi instrumental bands playing jazz in Bristol's pubs, along with the odd bar dedicated to the blues, but it is hoped that these genres will become a lot more prominent, with businesses from the two cities securing stronger relationships too.

Mr Ferguson said: "I think we have a lot in common with our musical roots. The critical thing is we will not be twin towns, they bring with them a lot of bureaucracy, we will be tuned with each other.

"We have invited him over (Mr Landrieu) all these things help raise the profile of Bristol which is my main aim.

"The cultural and business exchange will be part of improving jobs and raising Bristol's profile."

Five delegates from Tblisi, based in Georgia, are travelling to Bristol for the international festival, on March 7 to 9, and it is hoped something similar will occur next year with representatives from New Orleans.

A festival spokeswoman said: "Bristol has a fantastic music scene and a vibrant culture. The International Jazz & Blues Festival is really putting the city on the map and we're pleased that the mayor is so closely involved, with him backing the idea it will really take momentum

"The links with New Orleans will strengthen what we have been building over the past two years. It would be great to hear from businesses in the city that want to share in and promote its vibrancy."

She said it would be too early to say exactly what format the new bond with the birthplace of jazz would take, but people should watch this space.

To kick off the festival, which will see world renowned players dazzle crowds at a selection of venues, one of the most famous jazz photographers David Redfern is bringing an exhibition of more than 20 photographs to Colston Hall from Friday.

The festival will involve 40 individual concerts, late-night jamming sessions and masterclasses.

Headliners includes Imelda May, Get The Blessing (featuring members of Bristol band Portishead), Osibisa and Lillian Boutte.

For more information visit http://www.bristoljazzandbluesfest. com or call the box office on 0844 887 1500.