Message More options TimelineAboutselectedPhotosLikesMore About Rebirth band Page Info Page Info Category Music : Musician/Band Name Rebirth band Facebook Web Address www.facebook.com/valleyrebirthsoul Start Info Joined Facebook Address Enter your address Release Date + Enter a release date Genre World, Folk, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Mind Technology Infusion Band Members Cinamon Blair, bass, guitar, vocals; Ian Hamel, ukele, bass, vocals; I-Shea, congas/percussion, vocals; Karim Sumun, guitar,... See More Hometown Pioneer Valley Record Label unsigned Affiliation + Enter affiliation Short Description evolution of sound and consciousness. "Music is healing art. Music is our religion" Impressum Input Impressum for your Page Long Description http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=13962 From Valley Advocate: 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." Musicians Cinamon Blair – Singer, Songwriter, Bass Ian Hamel – Singer, Songwriter, Ukelele, Bass Philippe Simon – Drums Irene “I-Shea” Shaikly – Singer, Songwriter, Percussion Karim Sumun – Singer, Songwriter, Guitar Credits: Executive Producer: Lee Blair Composers/Producers: Rebirth Thank yous: To all of our beloved Family and Friends: the Blair-Kommineni family, Herrington-Shaikly family, Fabos-Sumun family, Hamel-Norris Family, Luthier’s Coop (our second home). Big Shout outs to Benny Black for musical production and inspiration to write“Ritmobeat” and Angel R. Rodriguez for co-writing “Ritmobeat” BIG SHOUT OUTS to all those who have supported our music –we do this music for you. Thank you! Recorded and engineered by Angelo Quaglia at Northfire Recording Studio Amherst, MA Mixed by Angelo Quaglia at AQ Studios, Chicopee MA Mastered at Sage Audio, Nashville TN Artwork: Brad Frederick Dedications: Rosalind Blair, Paul Blair, Benny Black Copyright 2015