Biography
Rebirth Brass Band is a pioneering New Orleans brass ensemble formed in 1983 by brothers Philip and Keith Frazier and trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, all students at Joseph S. Clark Senior High School in the historic Treme neighborhood. The group emerged from the vibrant marching band tradition of New Orleans, initially performing classic brass band repertoire on the streets and in Jackson Square, before quickly developing a reputation for their energetic blend of tradition and innovation. Their early gigs included street performances for tips and a formative weekly residency at the Glass House, which helped cement their local following.
Rebirth Brass Band distinguished themselves by incorporating elements of funk, R&B, hip hop, and contemporary rhythm and blues into the brass band format, setting a new standard for the genre and influencing countless younger musicians. Their debut album, 'Here to Stay' (1984), was recorded in the Treme neighborhood and marked the beginning of a prolific recording career, with over fifteen albums released. The band is known for their electrifying live shows, especially their legendary Tuesday night residency at the Maple Leaf Bar and their participation in New Orleans' second line parades. In 2012, they won a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for 'Rebirth of New Orleans,' solidifying their legacy as innovators and ambassadors of New Orleans music.
Over four decades, Rebirth Brass Band has become a cornerstone of the New Orleans music scene, celebrated for both their musical excellence and their commitment to community traditions. Their influence extends internationally through tours and festival appearances, as well as through media features such as HBO's 'Treme.' Despite their global acclaim, the band remains deeply rooted in the local culture, continuing to inspire new generations of brass musicians and keeping the spirit of New Orleans street music alive.
Fun Facts
- Rebirth Brass Band's theme song, 'Do Watcha Wanna,' was originally recorded as a local hit single and remains a staple of their live shows.
- The band was featured in several episodes of HBO's 'Treme,' and the character Antoine Batiste is loosely based on founding member Kermit Ruffins and trombonist Stafford Agee.
- Rebirth Brass Band played their first gigs as teenagers, busking on Bourbon Street because they were too young to perform in bars.
- They won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2012 for 'Rebirth of New Orleans.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Immediate musical forebears; inspired Rebirth's blend of jazz, funk, and contemporary styles (General influence, especially in early years) [1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Kermit Ruffins - Founding member and trumpeter; co-led the band in its formative years (Here to Stay (1984), early singles and performances) [1983–1992]
- Philip Frazier - Co-founder and tuba/sousaphone player; bandleader (All albums and live performances) [1983–present]
- Keith Frazier - Co-founder and bass drummer; key to band's rhythm section (All albums and live performances) [1983–present]
- Derrick Tabb, Chadrick Honore, Glenn Hall, Gregory Veals, Stafford Agee, Vincent Broussard - Longtime and current band members contributing to recordings and live shows (Various albums and tours) [1990s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Hot 8 Brass Band - Inspired by Rebirth's innovative fusion of genres and performance style (General influence on modern brass band sound) [1990s–present]
- Treme Brass Band - Part of the next generation of New Orleans brass bands shaped by Rebirth's example (General influence) [1990s–present]
- Younger New Orleans brass musicians - Rebirth set the standard for contemporary brass band music in New Orleans (General influence) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Way I See It | 2008-09-15 | Album |
| Rebirth of New Orleans | 2011-04-12 | Album |
| 25th Anniversary | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Ultimate Rebirth Brass Band | 2008-02-25 | Album |
| Do Watcha Wanna | 2008-02-25 | Album |
| The Way I See It | 2009-04-03 | Album |
| Dirty Word | 2013-07-30 | Album |
| Move Your Body | 2014-06-24 | Album |
| Goin' Home | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| The Main Event: Live at the Maple Leaf | 2008-02-25 | Album |
| Hot Venom | 2008-02-25 | Album |
| Feel Like Funkin' It Up | 1989-01-01 | Album |
| We Come To Party | 1997-05-20 | Album |
| Take It To The Street | 1992-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Do Whatcha Wanna (25th Anniversary)
- Feel Like Funkin' It Up - Live Street Mix (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
- I Feel Like Funkin' It Up - Extended Mix (Do Watcha Wanna)
- Buckjump (For True)
- Cassanova (Ultimate Rebirth Brass Band)
- Do Whatcha Wanna, Pt. 3 (Meet Me At Mardi Gras)
- Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Throwback)
- I Like It Like That (Rebirth of New Orleans)
- Exactly Like You (Rebirth of New Orleans)
- Mardi Gras Day (Throwback)
External Links
Tags: #brass-band, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Rebirth Brass Band has been played 50 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.