Rebirth Brass Band

“there is not a band on earth that is better. Stunning.” – Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band is a true New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. 

While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, they’ve also extended themselves into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature sound. “Rebirth can be precise whenever it wants to,” says The New York Times, “but it’s more like a party than a machine. It’s a working model of the New Orleans musical ethos: as long as everybody knows what they’re doing, anyone can cut loose.” 

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. In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition among New Orleans brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack, and they show no signs of slowing down.

In 1993, founding member and trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and Rebirth split amicably. Ruffins decided to spend more time at home with his family and forgo Rebirth touring engagements.

Rebirth’s longstanding regular Tuesday night gig at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street in Uptown is one of the pillars of the New Orleans music scene. During his speech commemorating the tenth year since Hurricane Katrina, President Barack Obama jokingly mentioned that maybe he will “finally hear Rebirth at Maple Leaf on Tuesday night” after he is out of office.

Recommended for Fans of Trombone Shorty, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

LEARN MORE: https://www.rebirthbrassband.com/