Flaming Arrows

Biography

Flaming Arrows is a Mardi Gras Indian tribe based in New Orleans, Louisiana, known for their participation in the city's rich tradition of Mardi Gras Indian culture. The tribe gained prominence in the 1990s under the leadership of Big Chief Kevin Goodman, who revitalized and reformed the group to continue the centuries-old tradition of costume-making and street performances. The Flaming Arrows represent one of several active tribes in New Orleans, competing alongside groups like the Wild Magnolias and Young Keepers of the Flame during Mardi Gras celebrations.

Musically, Flaming Arrows blend traditional Second Line Jazz with contemporary influences, incorporating complex and hypnotic percussion played on tambourines as they parade through New Orleans neighborhoods. The tribe's sound reflects the broader evolution of Mardi Gras Indian music, which has incorporated funk, brass band music, and hip-hop elements since the 1970s. Under Goodman's leadership, the Flaming Arrows have achieved significant recognition, recording their debut album 'Here Come The Indians Now' in 1997 and performing at major venues including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The group's legacy extends beyond music into film and cultural documentation, with appearances in documentaries such as 'What You Gonna Do When The World Is On Fire' and 'Walking Down Claiborne,' as well as performances on Austin City Limits and WWOZ radio.

Fun Facts

• Big Chief Kevin Goodman was the first Flaming Arrows recording artist in 1992, predating their major label debut 'Here Come The Indians Now' by five years.
• The Flaming Arrows tribe structure follows traditional Mardi Gras Indian hierarchy, with roles including Big Chief, Spy Boy, Flag Boy, and gang members who parade through New Orleans neighborhoods competing with other tribes.
• The Goodman family has been instrumental in preserving Mardi Gras Indian culture through diverse methods including costume-making traditions, international performances, and appearances in documentaries and on major media platforms.
• Songs like 'Hell Out The Way' and 'My Gang Don't Bow Down' reflect the proud and competitive nature of Mardi Gras Indian gangs, with historical roots in sometimes violent confrontations between tribes.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Milton Batiste - Trumpet player in the Flaming Arrows ensemble (Here Come The Indians Now (1997)) [1997]
• Joe Saulsbury Jr. - Alto and tenor saxophone and flute player in the Flaming Arrows ensemble (Here Come The Indians Now (1997)) [1997]
• Harold Scott - Bass player in the Flaming Arrows ensemble (Here Come The Indians Now (1997)) [1997]
• Kenneth 'Afro' Williams - Conga and vocals performer in the Flaming Arrows ensemble (Here Come The Indians Now (1997)) [1997]
• Eneal Wimberly - Drummer in the Flaming Arrows ensemble (Here Come The Indians Now (1997)) [1997]

External Links

• Spotify