SARATOGA SPRINGS — Putnam Place was decked out for a French Quarter party of sorts as it welcomed the Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans to the Spa City on Thursday, Dec. 6.
The Grammy Award-winning brass band was just as advertised. Before the band started to play, trombone player Stafford Agee stepped to the mic and insisted everyone, from the floor to the VIP sections, to get up on their feet “and move.”
Rebirth Brass Band has continued its innovative, contemporary approach to New Orleans music following its Grammy Award-winning 2012 album “Rebirth of New Orleans.” “Rebirth” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Jazz chart and No. 1 on the CMJ Jazz chart. The subsequent Grammy Award earned the band the distinction of being the first brass band to earn the award.
In 2014, the band topped the music charts with “Move Your Body,” hitting both the CMJ and Jazz Week Radio charts.
Whether seen on HBO’s “Treme” or at its legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, 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 also extended into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature soul moving sound.
The band’s signature brand of heavy funk has not only won over several generations of music lovers, but it has also become the soundtrack to an entire city.
Bryan Brundige opened the night with an assortment of players to warm the crowd with his signature funk and soul. Brundige will take perform with another ensemble for a Christmas themed jam session at Parish Public House on Thursday, Dec. 13.
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Photos by Michael Hallisey / TheSpot518