Fred's on D'Angelo's forthcoming album

Fred is excited as his new friend D'Angelo's forthcoming album moves closer to release. MTV Hive reports details in this exclusive interview with the album's producer, Russel Elvado. Fred's participation is just one of the newsworthy features of long-awaited project from the sexy soul superstar. D'Angelo, who has been getting rave reviews for some early 2012 concerts, says he hopes for more collaboration with Fred in the future.

Here's a photo from the October 2011 recording session where Fred laid a solo on one of the tracks. Stay tuned!

Fred's going to the White House!

Fred and his New JBs horn section have been invited to the White House.

They will perform as part of the PBS program, "In Performance at the White House: Red White and Blues," along with Mick Jagger, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Keb Mo and others. Click here for more information about the show.

According to Olivia Jones, daughter and manager of the music director for the program, Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MGs fame, President Obama himself asked for Booker T.'s participation, then Booker T. asked for Fred to handle the horns. Ernie Fields Jr. will appear on sax and flute, and Freddie Hendrix, who also plays with Fred as part of Abraham Incorporated, will appear on trumpet. The New JBs' primary trumpeter Gary Winters is in Germany and, sadly, will miss the date.

The program will air on PBS stations at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, February 27, 2012. Don't miss it!

A farewell to Soul Train

Fred and fam were saddened to hear of Don Cornelius' passing. He'll be remembered with much gratitude and admiration for his contributions to our world. In addition to creating the awesome phenomenon that was "Soul Train," he also left for those who may not know, this video answer to the question: Who is Fred Wesley? Click here to see history, including a rare Soul Train line and interviews with two of the Supremes. Enjoy.

This weekend: A funky good time in New Orleans

Funky Fred is in New Orleans for the weekend, and can be caught at the following places at the following times:

Tonight, Feb. 2, he'll play with George Porter Jr., formerly of the Meters, and Johnny V at the famed Maple Leaf Bar.

 

Friday, Feb. 3, catch him at Tipitina's as a special guest with the 101 Runners.

Saturday, Feb. 4, he'll join Walter "Wolfman" Washington and friends at the Krewe du Vieux annual Mardi Gras ball, the Krewe du Vieux Doo.

Sunday, Feb. 5, he'll return to Tipitina's from 1-3 p.m. for the free Sunday Music Workshop, where he'll help steer a young generation of funkateers before heading home.