Rebirth Brass Band is known for combining traditional New Orleans brass band music, including the New Orleans tradition of second line, with funk, jazz, soul and hip hop. Rebirth’s longstanding regular Tuesday night gig at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans is one of the pillars of the New Orleans music scene, and has served as a reliable introduction to the city’s nightlife for many new arrivals to the city. During his speech commemorating the 10th year since Hurricane Katrina, President Barack Obama jokingly mentioned that maybe he’ll “finally hear Rebirth at Maple Leaf on Tuesday night” after he is out of office. The band regularly tours North America and Europe. In 2011, Basin Street Records released the album Rebirth of New Orleans, which reached No. 1 on the CMJ Jazz charts and earned the group a 2012 Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album. Rebirth also has received an award for “Best Brass Band” from OffBeat Magazine.
I had the honor of speaking with Co-Founder and bass drummer, Mr. Keith Frazier ahead of the January 7th show in Madison at The Stage Door. Mr. Frazier and I painted a little picture of what to look out for at the upcoming gig as well as finding out the difference between featuring on another artist’s album versus getting down to it themselves. I ask about the possibility of a new release as well as the importance of community and family in their scene. We find out whether or not, President Obama has had the chance to catch them at their reGualr spot, the Maple leaf and what would happen if Donald Trump asked to come check them out. Great stuff, great band, gonna be a usual great party atmosphere.
Note: This show has been moved to the Ruby Lounge at Liquid.
Rebirth Brass Band
