"The Sound of Les Getrex"

by:  D.C. White (with Tiffany Calhoun)

Les Getrex is considered one of the last bluesman.  His profound and authentic sound comes from his New Orleans roots as well as being one of the true musicians that still keeps the culture embedded into his music.  Although many have come before him and many will continue to follow after him, Mr. Getrex's style of performing sets him apart.  You may catch him walking through the audience as he sings "Alvina" while wooing all the ladies or he just may be sitting on the stage playing his guitar with every emotion running through his body, including the pain of the blues.

The sound of Les Getrex is a must hear and the Les Getrex show is a must see.  Sharing the stage and recording studio with the likes of Fats Domino, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Barbara George, Marva Wright and Rockin' Dopsie, you can truly say that Getrex has come a long way.  Les tours overseas twice a year performing hits from his latest album entitled "Les Getrex Sings The Classics".  This album is a tetestamentf how gifted and talented he is.  He covers songs from Ray Charles to Otis Redding, two of his favorite artists.  You will also find traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras songs such as "Indian Red".

Getrex is simply unpredictable when it comes to his ranges and styles.  Recently, I caught up with him during his Saturday afternoon set at the Gazebo Cafe, located in the famous French Market / French Quarter area in New Orleans.  His performance, along with the cool breeze and great food, was like a breath of fresh air.  He was in his element and was truly having a great time.  When asked if he has any plans on retiring from the business anytime soon, Getrex answered "What is time? I am time.  I will continue doing what I love until I die.  There is no retiring for me."

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@yahoo.com and find out more information about him at www.dchistoryrecords.com. 

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.