Local band Rebirth coalesced after the death of a loved one.
“We initially came together after a close friend ascended,” explains Cinamon Blair, who provides vocals, Rhodes and bass for the quintet. “Ian [Hamel (ukulele, Rhodes, bass)] wrote the tune ‘Church’ about our friend Julius Ford. I truly believe Rebirth would have eventually formed with Julius as a member if he were still in the physical form.”
Inspired by a shared love of Valley activist Ford and positive music, Rebirth—Blair, Hamel, drummer Jamemurrell Stanley, guitarist Karim Sunum and Irene I-Shea Shaikly on conga and vocals—is a celebration of eternal spirit.
“When someone that you love dearly moves on to the next level of existence, a part of them stays behind with those that are in the flesh,” Blair says. “Rebirth is an evolution of consciousness; letting go of the past and birthing a new creation, a new consciousness, a new form of musical expression.”
Citing influences ranging from Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Steel Pulse to The Beatles and The Police to Nina Simone and Bill Withers, the group folds “Afro-influenced folk,” funk, soul, reggae, Latin & hip-hop elements into its expansive sound.
Many of the group’s tunes emanate from individual members and are collectively fleshed out; others are born spontaneously in the rehearsal space.
“When it is a true collaboration, it usually is born from just jamming,” Blair says. “‘Cookin’ ‘ is our instrumental that brings the house down. Our audiences love it!”
Rebirth projects a true sense of musical devotion and creative euphoria.
“Music is a healing art form,” says Blair, who is currently pursuing a degree in Music Therapy. “Creation is powerful—moving the crowd is mind-blowing and having fun while playing music is outstanding. I would not want to live without music. Music is my religion.”
The quintet invites everyone to join in the experience by attending one of its gigs. “People can expect love and honesty from our performance,” Blair says. “We have been told that we take our audience to church.”
Rebirth has a slew of shows coming up, including Aug. 19 at Flywheel with UpSurge, Aug. 26 at Luthier’s Co-Op in Easthampton, and Sept. 17 at the UMass Campus Center Auditorium. You can find the band on Facebook.
