“Here To Stay” (PDF) from the Kermit Ruffins with Rebirth Brass Band album, Throwback.

New Orleans music wouldn’t sound as sweet without the Rebirth Brass Band. Its name a testament of resilience, the band has survived multiple career-threatening events over the past 35 years, including rotating band members, the changing musical landscape, Hurricane Katrina, family members killed by gun violence from police-issued weapons, band members arrested by the New Orleans police for playing music without a permit, and the daily trauma from life as a Black American. Meanwhile, the federal failure of management over the current spread of COVID-19 has threatened the life of Tuba Phil Frazier as well as the economic stability of New Orleans’ musicians. But the band’s music is the sound of survival, so you better believe Kermit Ruffins when he sings that “Rebirth’s here to stay!”

I have to assume, once again, that this trombone solo is played by Stafford Agee, rather than Corey Henry, based on the driving rhythmic phrasing and dexterity, especially with the syncopated pattern in the fifth bar. Agee’s use of off-beat syncopation sets his melodies apart from the steady parade groove, while the use of blues patterns provides a shouting vocal quality that can be easily translated through the public air. Additionally, Agee explores the physical boundaries of the brass instrument, extending beyond the typical vocal range to produce a punchier effect.

Here’s a YouTube video, featuring Trombone Shorty, about how the current pandemic shutdown affected New Orleans musicians… five months ago:

Recommended viewing: Never A Dull Moment: 20 Years of Rebirth Brass Band, music documentary.