Concert: Rebirth Brass Band Blast Off at the Mint

The good folks at the Mint (www.themintla.com/) continue to book some great bands out of New Orleans. The Rebirth Brass Band came to the club for two nights of rowdy, loud, and heavy funk music. The band is a New Orleans institution that has been touring the world for 27 years. They delivered their unique blend of classic brass and modern music.

On the relatively small stage, Rebirth’s nine musicians miraculously kept out of each other’s way. With so many horns playing simultaneously it seemed unlikely that the musicians would not drown each other out. However, these pros have such tight arrangements that each player contributes to a unified harmony, and is also given the chance to stretch out on creative solos. Founder Phil Frazier, who plays the massive Tuba, and his brother Keith on Bass Drum, along with Derrick Tabb on Snare Drum provide the bass rhythm lines that keep things steady. Vincent Broussard on Saxophone, Derek Shezbie on Trumpet, and Corey Henry on Trombone gave some outstanding solos. Henry recently returned to the band after touring with fellow New Orleans funk masters Galactic. (www.jetsetjen.com/articles/music/concert-galactic-brings-funk-el-rey-the...)

Corey Henry with the Rebirth Brass Band at the Mint in LA.

Rebirth (www.rebirthbrassband.com) played some of their classic tunes like “Feel Like Funkin’ It Up” and “Rebirth Melody/Casanova.” They also thrilled the crowd with a Michael Jackson medley of “Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough” and “Billy Jean.” These musicians know how to party, and the audience didn’t stop dancing until the band left the stage. As long as the Mint continues to bring in such talented acts as Rebirth, the club will be known as the place to go for authentic New Orleans music.

The Rebirth Brass Band horns blast away at the Mint in LA.

Photos courtesy of ©2010 Jim Brock Photography/(www.eyeonthemusic.com)

[Andy J. Gordon, a Los Angeles-based marketing and strategy consultant, made his writing debut in “Brentwood” magazine in 2007. His interests include music, sports, consumer electronics, premium libations, fine dining, travel, fast cars, and enjoying life.]