Off on a summer New JBs tour in Europe

Fred has arrived safely in Edinburgh, Scotland, to help close out the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, which opened with July 19 with a hot show by the covergirl of the festival program, Tia Fuller, and her band.

If you're in Europe or know someone who is, catch Fred and his cats at one of these venues.

July 27 -- The Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Edinburgh
July 28 -- Manchester Academy, Manchester
July 29 -- Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, London
July 30 -- Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, London

August 2 -- The Subtone, Cheltenham, with special guest James Morton

August 3 -- The Golden Lion, Bristol, with special guest James Morton
August 9 -- Jazz in Marciac Festival, Marciac, France
August 11 -- Worms: Jazz and Joy Festival, Worms, Germany

Reflecting on the International Trombone Festival

Fred spent the last five days of June communing with more than 900 other trombonists at the International Trombone Association's annual International Trombone Festival, hosted this year by Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, where he was born 70 years ago at Fort Benning.

Distinguished participants included Wycliffe Gordon, Alex Iles, Mike Dease and many others, including many talented students. Special thanks to festival director Jon Bohls and ITA board member Tom Plsek, the Joe Gransden Big Band, and the hard-working rhythm section featuring pianist Louis Heriveaux, drummer Paul Vaillancourt and bassist Bill Grimes.

Enjoy these photos from the week. Special thanks to photographer Stephen Hoy of Warner Robins, Georgia, for the first two.

Fred, Wycliffe and Alex with the big band (photo by Stephen Hoy)

Alex, Fred and Greg Waits at Late Night Jazz (photo by Stephen Hoy)

Rehearsing with the big band

Heading to the first jam session

With Tom Plsek and Alex Iles

With Jon Bohls

Onstage with the big band

Enjoying Mike Dease

Blowing with Mike

Recital rehearsal with Louis, Bill and Paul

With young trombonist Antonie Swaim

With the big band trombone section

With Mitch Butler

With Paul, Bill and Louis

Workshop, with the rhythm section, Antonie and son Victor Wesley

Celebrating 70

The 4th of July was Fred's 70th birthday, and he sends a million thanks for all the wishes, love and various other gifts, including this spectacular one from discographer, photographer and Soul Preacher, Heinrich Buttler. Thanks, Heinrich!