Sunday, May 5, 2013

Here Comes the Rebirth Brass Band (New Orleans Jazz Fest 2013)


by D.C. White (with Tiffany Calhoun)

The Rebirth Brass Band is one of the most innovative bands of our time. They combine R&B and Hip Hop with the brass band music as we know it today, while keeping the rich, heritage sound of the New Orleans culture.  They bring a new concept of second-line music to the younger generations and are considered pioneers just as their fore-fathers, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Olympic Brass Band and many others who paved the way for this distinctive sound.

The Frazier brothers, Phi and Keith, formed the band back in the early 80's while attending Joseph S. Clark Senior High School.  Both brothers were members of the high school marching band.  Their love for music and the city of New Orleans is the foundation for the Rebirth legacy.  Many other bands have organized and play Rebirth's style of music which shows the great love that people have for this band.  In fact, Rebirth won their first Grammy in February 2012 and the entire city celebrated with them.  If you ask anyone what that feeling was like, the response would probably be, it felt like winning the Super Bowl all over again.

Before hitting the stage at Jazz Fest on April 27, 2013, I had the pleasure of speaking with Phil Frazier who expressed his gratitude to the city and fans everywhere for all the love and support.  When asked how winning a Grammy has changed their lives, he states that Rebirth is still the same band that many fell in love with 30 years ago and they just get better with time.

After the Jazz Fest performance, I had the opportunity to speak with Keith Frazier and he assured me that the Rebirth Brass Band intend on being around for another 30 years.  If not out on the road touring, you can still find Rebirth playing at local events, parties, weddings, etc. in the New Orleans and surrounding areas.

"Hey don't go no where, Rebirth's here to stay"!

D. C. White is a contributor for Conversations Magazine and the founder of History Records and Entertainment. White also serves as a Producer for "Conversations with Cyrus Webb" televisions how. You can reach him at dwightcalhoun@hotmail.com and find out more information about him at www.dchistoryrecords.com

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