Free Agents Brass Band

Biography

The Free Agents Brass Band is a New Orleans-based brass ensemble founded in September 2005 by bass drummer Ellis Joseph, in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina[2][4]. The band emerged as a coalition of seasoned musicians who came together during a period of displacement and uncertainty, symbolizing both creative independence and resilience in the face of disaster[4]. Their name, 'Free Agents,' reflects their ethos of artistic self-determination, as the members were not tied to any single institution or band, but rather united by a shared commitment to New Orleans’ musical traditions and a desire to fill the void left by the city’s dispersed musical community[4][6]. The Free Agents quickly became a fixture on the local scene, performing at parties, clubs, parades, and funerals, and establishing a regular Sunday night residency at the Duck Off Lounge[2]. Their music blends traditional brass band sounds with funk-based tuba riffs, hip-hop lyrics, and contemporary attitudes, epitomized by their signature track 'Made It Through That Water,' a variation on the spiritual 'Wade in the Water' that directly addresses the trauma and defiance of post-Katrina New Orleans[2][4]. Over the years, the Free Agents have become recognized as torchbearers of the city’s brass band tradition, with a legacy rooted in both musical innovation and cultural preservation.

Fun Facts

• The Free Agents Brass Band’s album 'Made It Through That Water' is considered a cultural touchstone of post-Katrina New Orleans, and in 2025 it was reissued on vinyl for the first time, complete with rare photographs and expanded liner notes[4].
• The band’s name was chosen to reflect the members’ independence from any single musical institution, a direct response to the city’s fractured music community after Hurricane Katrina[4][6].
• Their Sunday night residency at the Duck Off Lounge became a staple for locals and visitors seeking authentic New Orleans brass band music in the years following the storm[2].
• The 2025 vinyl reissue of 'Made It Through That Water' includes a custom View-Master reel with rare band photos, a unique nod to analog nostalgia and archival storytelling[4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• New Orleans Brass Band Tradition - The band is deeply rooted in the city’s historic brass band culture, drawing on the mentorship of elder musicians and the collective experience of the local scene. (N/A) [2005–present]

Key Collaborators

• Ellis Joseph - Founder and bass drummer, central to the band’s identity and sound. (All Free Agents albums) [2005–present]
• Former members of Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels - The Free Agents regularly feature musicians who have played with other major New Orleans brass bands, contributing to a rich, collaborative network. (Live performances, recordings) [2005–present]

Artists Influenced

• New Orleans music scene - The Free Agents’ blend of tradition and contemporary styles has inspired younger musicians and helped shape the sound of post-Katrina brass bands. (N/A) [2005–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. We Made It Through That Water (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
2. Made It Through That Water (Made It Through That Water)
3. Move Something (Move Something)
4. Move Something (Made It Through That Water)
5. Music Is the Key (Made It Through That Water)
6. Feel Good Music (Made It Through That Water)
7. Fat Boy (Made It Through That Water)
8. Stop the Violence (Made It Through That Water)
9. We Made It Through That Water (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
10. We Made It Through That Water (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found)
• MusicBrainz