When someone dies in the Netherlands, they say goodbye to their loved one in a moody way. Depressing speeches, Mieke Telkamp and coffee with a slice of cake play a major role in this. In New Orleans, however, they do things differently. The chest is followed by a brass band that plays remarkably festive jazz. The rest of the procession follows while dancing. Farewell is celebrated and not taken,
… because the deceased is going to a better place. The music on Funeral For A Friend was played when the Dirty Dozen Brass Band walked behind the casket of Anthony 'Tuba Fats' Lacen, one of the founders of this brass band. Still, with Just A Closer Walk With Thee, the relatives get the time to shed a tear, but that shouldn't take too long, because the party starts after five minutes. Accompanied by New Orleans jazz, blues and gospel, the spirit of the deceased dances to heaven. There is no better way to leave this world. (AD)more
