Biography
The Original Pinettes Brass Band, founded in 1991 at St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans, is celebrated as the world's first and only all-female brass band. Conceived by band director Jeffery C. Herbert, who was inspired to create a female counterpart to his own Original Pinstripe Brass Band, the group began with over a dozen young women, all students at the historically Black, all-girls Catholic school. Their early repertoire focused on New Orleans-style jazz, but they soon expanded into contemporary brass band music, performing at local events and parades, and quickly became a fixture in the city’s vibrant music scene.
Despite facing significant challenges—including frequent lineup changes and the upheaval caused by Hurricane Katrina—the Pinettes persevered. After the storm, bandleader Christie Jourdain revitalized the group, recruiting new members from across New Orleans. Their resilience and talent culminated in a major breakthrough in 2013, when they won the Red Bull 'Street Kings' competition, besting three male bands and prompting the event to be renamed 'Street Queens.' Since then, the Pinettes have released their debut album 'Finally,' performed at major festivals such as Jazz & Heritage Festival and Essence Music Festival, and toured internationally, all while challenging gender norms and inspiring future generations of musicians.
Musically, the Pinettes blend traditional New Orleans brass band sounds with funk, jazz, and contemporary influences, creating a dynamic and empowering style. Their legacy is not only defined by their musical achievements but also by their role as pioneers for women in a male-dominated genre, fostering a sense of sisterhood and breaking barriers for female musicians in New Orleans and beyond.
Fun Facts
- The Original Pinettes Brass Band was initially created to help pay tuition for its members at St. Mary's Academy by capitalizing on the novelty and talent of an all-female brass band.
- Their victory at the 2013 Red Bull 'Street Kings' competition led to the event being renamed 'Street Queens' in their honor.
- The band has performed internationally, including shows in Turkey and Switzerland, showcasing New Orleans brass band music to global audiences.
- Despite numerous lineup changes and the challenges of Hurricane Katrina, the Pinettes have remained active for over three decades, continually inspiring new generations of female musicians.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jeffery C. Herbert - Founder and original band director; inspired and managed the group, shaping their early sound and direction. (Formation of the band, early performances, management through 1998) [1991–1998]
Key Collaborators
- Christie Jourdain - Longtime band member, now bandleader and snare drummer; key in rebuilding the band post-Katrina. (Band leadership, performances, recruitment) [1991–present]
- Mia X - Collaborated on stage at French Quarter Fest 2024, blending rap and brass band music. (Live performance at French Quarter Fest 2024)
- Arcade Fire - Shared stage at Voodoo Fest 2021 and performed together at a 2022 show, including a joint rendition of 'Electric Blue.' (Voodoo Fest 2021, 2022 performance) [2021–2022]
Artists Influenced
- Female brass musicians in New Orleans - Inspired and paved the way for women to participate in the brass band scene, previously male-dominated. (Ongoing influence on local music education and performance) [1991–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Finally | 2013-04-08 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Lord Lord Lord (Finally)
- Get a Life (Finally)
- Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Finally)
- Grazin in the Grass (Finally)
- Baby (Finally)
- We Got the Music (Finally)
- Put Your Right Foot Forward (Finally)
- When the Saints Go Marching In (Finally)
- Who You Gonna Call (Finally)
- Outro (Finally)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Original Pinettes Brass Band has been played 17 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.