Basin Street Records Signs the Iconic Rebirth Brass Band

On this 5th anniversary week, as we remember the devastation and flooding that occurred after Hurricane Katrina due to poorly built levees, Basin Street Records demonstrates its commitment to New Orleans’ rebirth by announcing the signing of the world famous Rebirth Brass Band. Simply put, the Rebirth Brass Band is an institution.

Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers and Kermit Ruffins, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. Their signature brand of heavy funk has become the soundtrack to an entire city, a fact reinforced by their role in the opening scene of the HBO series “Treme.”

In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack. Reflecting on the collaboration between these two pillars of the New Orleans music community, Phil Frazier said, “This is what New Orleans is all about, The Rebirth Brass Band and Basin Street Records teaming up to release music that’ll make you move and put a smile on your face.”

Basin Street Records worked with Rebirth from the sidelines in 2005 on Throwback the album that reunited the iconic band with founding member, and now label mate, Kermit Ruffins. With the signing of Rebirth, Basin Street Records will continue to create music that distills the city of New Orleans into a complex series of rhythms and melodies. President Mark Samuels believes that “there is nothing in the world like going to see Rebirth on a Tuesday night at the Maple Leaf. We are excited to begin what we hope will be a long relationship that is beneficial to both Rebirth and our label.”

The Rebirth Brass Band is expected to release their first album on Basin Street Records in February 2011.

Basin Street Records was formed in 1997 and is home to music from Kermit Ruffins, Theresa Andersson, Jeremy Davenport, Dr. Michael White, Henry Butler, Jon Cleary, Jason Marsalis, Los Hombres Calientes, Irvin Mayfield, and The Headhunters.

Recordings available: Ultimate Rebirth Brass Band, Feel Like Funkin’ It Up, Main Event, Take It to the Street, Do Watcha Wanna, Rollin’, ReBirth Kickin’ it Live!, We Come to Party, Hot Venom, Main Event: Live at Maple Leaf