Kermit Ruffins with the Rebirth Brass Band, Throwback (Basin Street Records)


Some albums might sound like a group is having a bunch of fun. With the meeting of Kermit Ruffins and his previous band and old buddies the ReBirth Brass Band you just know they really are having a ball. Trumpeter and vocalist Ruffins kicks in with a casual scat before warning, “Make Way for the ReBirth” and a blast of horns sounding like a thunderous train whistle, announces the arrival of the brassy ensemble. “Back up, give us some room,” Ruffins requests as the engine roars down the tracks. In some ways this tune represents Ruffins’ bright trumpet jumping onboard ReBirth’s brassy bandwagon and blowing hot lead. On other numbers, such as Ruffins’ self-penned shiner, “It’s Later Than You Think,” it’s more like the ReBirth meets Ruffins on the trumpeter’s bandstand. (Hey, that’s not to say you can’t second line like crazy to this album.) The great tuba man, ReBirth co-leader Philip Frazier sets the tempo on “Later” a song that, in spirit, recalls the Louis Armstrong hit, and Ruffins’ much-loved Pérez Prado cover, “Skokiaan,” which he recorded on his 2002 album, Big Easy. “Have your fun in the sun don’t bring no guns,” sings Ruffins over the altogether catchy melody. The swingin’ “Happy Weekday Blues” also speaks more to Ruffins’ current off-street milieu with the horns punctuating as if in a classic R&B section. Some solid solos here too. The collective looks back to ReBirth’s very beginnings by reprising “Here To Stay,” which was also the name of the band’s debut album on Arhoolie. We learn from Ruffins’ self-penned liner notes, that this now street anthem is the first song he ever wrote. “We did it live on stage at the Grease Lounge,” Ruffins recalls in his down home, warm and witty, biographical notes that enhance the package. Accompanied only by drums, old friends Philip Frazier and Ruffins—a contrast of deep and upper register tones—provide a solemn “Closer Walk with Thee” with the trumpeter supplying vocals along with guest Mary Griffin. The brass is full on for the “ReBirth Medley: My Song, Pie Pt. 2, Mexican Special” a grouping that effortlessly flows and interlaces just as on a really rollin’ second line parade. “Mexican Special” sways with that compelling Latin flavor topped with triumphant trumpet and a persuasive tuba riff. The reveling group winds it “Up in tha Hood” hip-hopping with Ruffins’ alter-ego DJ Smoke-A-Lot and Griffin back singing, “We going to party like there’s no tomorrow.” Appropriately, a little laugh from Ruffins is the last thing we hear on this full of fun, friends and family album.