Rebirth Brass Band: From the Streets to the World Stage

Few bands embody the spirit of New Orleans like Rebirth Brass Band. Born in the streets of Tremé, raised on the rhythm of second lines, and celebrated across the globe, their journey is a testament to the power of music rooted in community. And along the way, The Howlin’ Wolf has been proud to play a role in their rise.

From Tremé to Tradition

Rebirth Brass Band was formed in 1983 by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier and their friends from Joseph S. Clark High School. They learned by doing—playing in second lines, parades, and block parties, absorbing the traditions of generations before them while infusing their own energy and style.

It wasn’t just music—it was a cultural conversation. In Tremé, brass bands weren’t background noise; they were the heartbeat of the neighborhood.

A New Orleans Sound with No Limits

From the start, Rebirth blended traditional brass band tunes with funk, jazz, hip-hop, and soul. Their sound was modern but deeply tied to their roots—earning them loyal fans at home and opening doors to stages far beyond the Crescent City.

By the 1990s, Rebirth was touring internationally, carrying the essence of New Orleans culture to audiences who had never seen a second line, let alone danced in one.

The Howlin’ Wolf Connection

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the city’s music community faced an existential crisis. Clubs closed, musicians were displaced, and audiences scattered.

That’s when Howie Kaplan, owner of The Howlin’ Wolf, stepped in—not just as a venue owner, but as an advocate for the city’s music. He began managing Rebirth Brass Band, ensuring their tours continued and their music reached new ears while New Orleans rebuilt.

The Wolf became a home base for the band—a place where they could play, rehearse, and connect with their fans. For locals, it was a reminder that the city’s heartbeat was still strong. For visitors, it was often their first taste of the pure joy and electricity of a Rebirth show.

Grammy Gold & Global Stages

In 2012, Rebirth Brass Band won the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for Rebirth of New Orleans. It was a milestone moment—not just for the band, but for the entire brass tradition.

Today, they tour the world, from jazz festivals in Europe to stages in Asia, South America, and beyond. Yet they remain deeply connected to their New Orleans roots, still playing local gigs and second lines whenever they can.

The Beat Goes On

Rebirth Brass Band’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride. From their start in Tremé to their Grammy win and international tours, they’ve proven that New Orleans brass is not just alive—it’s thriving.

And here at The Howlin’ Wolf, we’re honored to be part of their journey, to have helped keep the music playing when the city needed it most, and to continue hosting their unforgettable shows that turn any night into a celebration.

Rebirth Brass Band: Key Milestones

Year	Milestone
1983	Formed in Tremé by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier and classmates from Joseph S. Clark High School.
1984–1990s	Earned a following playing second lines, parades, and neighborhood gigs; began fusing brass traditions with funk, jazz, and hip-hop.
1990s	Started touring nationally and internationally, introducing audiences worldwide to the New Orleans brass band sound.
2005	Post-Katrina: Partnered with Howie Kaplan and The Howlin’ Wolf for management and support, keeping tours active and the music alive during city recovery.
2012	Won Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for Rebirth of New Orleans.
2010s–Today	Continues to perform locally, headline global festivals, and serve as ambassadors of New Orleans culture.