Biography
The New Birth Brass Band is a seminal New Orleans brass band founded in the mid-1980s, emerging from the city's vibrant tradition of street parades and second line celebrations. The band was formed by acclaimed trumpeter James "Twelve" Andrews and quickly distinguished itself by blending traditional brass band repertoire with contemporary influences, including funk, hip-hop, blues, soul, and gospel. This innovative approach placed New Birth at the forefront of a new wave of brass bands that followed in the stylistic footprints of the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth Brass Bands, both of which had modernized the genre by incorporating funk and R&B elements[1][2][5][6].
Throughout its history, New Birth Brass Band has been known for its virtuosic musicianship and dynamic live performances, appealing to both traditionalists and younger audiences. Key members have included tuba player Kerwin James (brother of Rebirth Brass Band's Philip and Keith Frazier), bass drummer Cayetano “Tanio” Hingle, snare drummer Kerry Hunter, and trumpeters such as Kenny Terry and Derrick Shezbie. The band has released several acclaimed albums, including 'D-Boy' (1997), 'New Birth Family' (2005), 'New Orleans Second Line' (2006), and 'On My Way' (2012)[1][2]. Their music is characterized by powerful tuba riffs, energetic rhythms, and a repertoire that ranges from classic second line tunes to inventive covers and original compositions.
New Birth Brass Band's legacy is deeply intertwined with the evolution of New Orleans brass band music. They have inspired a new generation of musicians, contributed to the genre's global popularity, and remained resilient in the face of adversity, including the loss of key members and the challenges following Hurricane Katrina. Their enduring motto, "New Birth never dies, it multiplies," reflects their ongoing influence and commitment to keeping the spirit of New Orleans brass band music alive[1][2].
Fun Facts
- The band's motto is "New Birth never dies, it multiplies," reflecting their commitment to the brass band tradition and its ongoing evolution[2].
- Kerwin James, a key member and composer, was the younger brother of two members of the Rebirth Brass Band and wrote several signature pieces for New Birth[1][2].
- After Kerwin James passed away in 2007, a parade in his honor led to the arrest of musicians due to noise complaints, highlighting tensions between tradition and changing city dynamics[1][2].
- New Birth Brass Band's repertoire includes inventive covers of songs by local rappers and traditional gospel tunes, showcasing their eclectic influences[1][2].
Members
- Kerwin James - tuba (until 2007)
- Darryl Adams - saxophone
- James “12” Andrews - trumpet
- Mervin Campbell
- Rob Espino
- Rob Harris
- Corey Henry - trombone
- Cayetano "Tanio" Hingle - bass drum
- Tanio Hingle
- Mister Action - percussion
- Derrick Shezbie - trumpet
- Reginald Steward - trombone
- Kenneth Terry
- Trombone Shorty - trombone
- Glen David Andrews - trombone
- Kerry Hunter - snare drum
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Pioneers of modern New Orleans brass band sound; influenced New Birth's fusion of funk and hip-hop with traditional brass band music. (Stylistic influence on early albums and live performances.) [1980s–present]
- Rebirth Brass Band - Direct stylistic and familial influence; Kerwin James (tuba) was the brother of Rebirth's Philip and Keith Frazier. (Signature tuba riffs and arrangements.) [1980s–present]
Key Collaborators
- James "Twelve" Andrews - Founder, lead trumpeter, and vocalist; led the band and shaped its sound. (D-Boy (1997), New Birth Family (2005)) [1980s–2000s]
- Kerwin James - Tuba player, composer, and arranger; wrote many signature pieces. ("Who Dat Call The Police?", "A.P. Tureaud") [1990s–2007]
- Cayetano “Tanio” Hingle - Bass drummer and bandleader; provided rhythmic foundation. (All albums and live performances) [1980s–present]
- Kerry Hunter - Snare drummer and longtime member. (All albums and live performances) [1980s–present]
- Derrick Shezbie - Trumpeter and collaborator; also led his own bands. (D-Boy (1997)) [1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Younger New Orleans brass bands - Inspired stylistic innovation and repertoire expansion among emerging brass bands. (Adoption of funk, hip-hop, and modern arrangements.) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Second Line | 2006 | Album |
| On My Way | 2012-10-16 | Album |
| New Birth Family | 2004-01-25 | Album |
Top Tracks
- At The Foot Of Canal Street (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
- Who Dat Called Da Police (New Orleans Second Line)
- Apache (New Orleans Second Line)
- Show Me That Dance Called the Second Line (New Orleans Second Line)
- Unanae - New Birth (New Orleans Second Line)
- I'll Fly Away (New Orleans Second Line)
- Go Down to New Orleans (On My Way)
- Crack House (New Orleans Second Line)
- Get the Hump Out Yo Back (New Orleans Second Line)
- Apache (Ultimate New Orleans Brass Second Line Funk!)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
new birth brass band has been played 8 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20, 2025 | 11:18 | Santa's Second Linefrom Putumayo Presents: New Orleans Christmas | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Dec 19, 2025 | 08:37 | Santa's Second Linefrom Putumayo Presents: New Orleans Christmas | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Dec 18, 2025 | 10:15 | Santa's Second Line | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Dec 12, 2025 | 11:33 | apache | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Dec 6, 2025 | 21:04 | Fallin' in Lovefrom Love Potion | Soul Powerw/ Soul Sister | |
| Oct 25, 2025 | 10:58 | i ate up the apple tre | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Oct 25, 2025 | 10:44 | I ate up the apple tree | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | 10:48 | I ate Up the Apple Treefrom D-Boy | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young |