Experience Our Rebirth
Rebirth Brass Band
By Craig CortelloBrass bands are in so many ways the embodiment of all that is unique in New Orleans music culture – the spontaneous nature of musical processions, the sense of community and connecting with your neighbors, the dedication to passing musical traditions down through the generations, and the important role of music as a catalyst in the celebration of life. On the heels of an electrifying NBA All-Star pre-game performance, and in the year of their 25th anniversary, the Rebirth Brass Band is perhaps the most celebrated modern showcase of that genre and of those musical attributes.
I discussed the current state of Rebirth Brass Band with bandleader Philip “Tuba Phil” Frazier. He describes their music as “raw, funky, and spontaneous,” and adds that it will “hit you hard in your soul.”
The recent NBA All-Star game performance, with Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Kermit Ruffins sitting in, was a great example of Frazier’s assertion. The explosive energy of the band set the tone for the entire evening, launching one of the great showcase events the Crescent City has hosted in recent memory.
Frazier grew up in the Ninth Ward, but spent most of his life in the Treme area. He recalled with affection the many musicians that have come through the area. The Olympia and Dirty Dozen Brass Bands are notable influences of the band. “Coming from New Orleans, we hear brass band music everyday. The spirit of Treme rolls over into your music,” he said.
Frazier started the band at the request of a member of the Band Parent Booster Club at his high school to play for a hotel function. Too young to play nightclub establishments with alcoholic beverages, they were content to play the French Quarter area for tips, and the band evolved from those simple roots.
The band has international appeal, and that strength played a prominent role in Rebirth’s post-Katrina survival. The band had planned a tour one month prior to the hurricane. In a story that became a metaphor for the city itself, Frazier rallied the scattered troops. “I called everybody and said let’s go on with the tour and get some income coming in for our families,” he said. “Hopefully everybody will see that if the Rebirth is still together, then New Orleans will come back. And it might influence other bands to do the same.”
Never had the band’s name seemed so appropriate.
Frazier was disappointed by the crackdown on spontaneous musical street gatherings such as funeral processions and second lines, traditions with an even greater significance during the rebuilding effort, as people sought to reestablish rituals that provided a sense of normalcy and of community. He believes that it’s a matter of education and communication. “Some policemen weren’t educated about what was going on,” said Frazier. “Others were explaining that they [musicians] have been doing this for generations and generations, and explaining to their peers that this has been going on forever,” he added. He said that he has found that sometimes a simple phone call to law enforcement officials can diffuse any potential hostilities in advance.
The band is planning a double CD to commemorate their 25th anniversary, a compilation that will include a mix of familiar Rebirth songs and guest appearances. Frazier recalled the opportunity that the band has had to share the stage and perform with great musicians over the years. Maceo Parker, Lenny Kravitz, Ani DiFranco, Robbie Robertson, and Harry Connick, Jr. were some of the names that came to mind.
He also added that there’s rarely time to rehearse extensively for such impromptu collaborative performances, but that that’s okay with Rebirth. “We like to keep it spontaneous, because that way it’s real. Whatever comes out of your horn uncut, that’s the way it is.”
The band is well received all over the world, but Frazier noted New York, San Francisco, and Amsterdam as memorable destinations. In New York, the band is treated like pop stars, and they sell out every show. San Francisco fans are enthusiastic and sometimes travel to see the band in multiple locations. And Amsterdam seems like what New Orleans might have been like in the 1800’s.
Building a coherent group for the long haul would be a daunting task for most musicians, but Rebirth seems to have found a winning formula. With such a large music combo, personality and band chemistry are important considerations in bringing on new members. Each member seems to bring distinct characteristics to the mix. “Collaboration in such a large group is like a gumbo. We try to listen to everybody’s ideas, and there are no bad ideas,” he said.
Frazier gave his assessment of the personalities of the band members that comprise that gumbo:
Philip “Tuba Phil” Frazier– “bandleader, big brother, mother, the everything”
Derrick “Kabuky” Shezbie– “entertainer; everybody has one in their band”
Glen Andrews– “the general; looks so serious like he might hurt you, but that’s not true”
Stafford “Freaky Pete” Agee– “likes to get the women on stage and involved; it’s all part of the show”
Keith Frazier– “strictly business”
Vincent Broussard– “the quiet man”
Derrick “Big Sexy” Tabb– “the clown”
Byron “Flee” Bernard– “the old man of the group”
Corey Henry– “happy-go-lucky, always happy”
Chad Honore– “baby of the group, only 20 years old”
Frazier tried to give Jazz Fest visitors a sense of what to expect from Rebirth Brass Band’s performance. “When you come here, don’t expect to hear a traditional brass band,” he said. “You’re going to hear a fun, funky band that’s going to get you out of your seat, make you forget about your problems, and make you feel good about life again.”
In terms of the New Orleans music scene, Frazier encourages visitors to explore the city, noting that there are opportunities outside of the French Quarter to find great music experiences. But his final message to the visitors was one of respect for the people of the Crescent City. “Come embrace our people, because our people embrace everyone,” he said.
Come experience our Rebirth.