Where's Fred?

Fred's on D'Angelo's forthcoming album

2012-02-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-02-15T18:56:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-10T08:42:00.001-05:00

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

2012-02-02T19:07:00.000-05:00

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.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2012-01-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Fred got with the Greyboy Allstars to blow out 2011 with two sold-out shows in California -- at the Belly Up in Solana Beach and the Independent in San Francisco. Here are photos, courtesy of photog/fan Pauline Brickey. Thanks, Pauline!

With his chops "smoking" from the Greyboy gigs, Fred launched 2012 by heading straight to Upstate New York for a recording session to finish up work he began in March on the nearly-completed forthcoming album by Willi Amrod. Here are photos from that session.

(l-r) Guitarist Ted Orr; Willi; Fred; producer Gary Burke; organist Billy Washington; and drummer Stevie Dee.

Michael "Clip" Payne of P-Funk and 420 Funk Mob fame, who contributed vocals to the project.

Closing out the old year, here are two reviews of "The Lost Album:"

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/12/27/2007378/critics-pick-the-jbs-and-fred.html

http://www.themortonreport.com/entertainment/music/bentleys-bandstand-year-end-wrap-up-volume-i/

Finally, the October reunion show with Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker at Town Hall in New York City was selected as one of the best gigs of the year, by WNYC (click here), as well as the Wall Street Journal, which had this to say:

"On Oct. 6, three veteran horn players indulged in tactics that would have been intolerable from lesser musicians. They built a whole show around audience interaction, calling upon the crowd to get up and start moving (up and down in our seats, if not quite dancing) from the first downbeat, and then what they played was essentially sheer rhythm with remarkably little melody, mostly based on riffs rather than full-fledged songs. And yet because these men were all veterans of James Brown's greatest band (sometimes known as "The JB Horns"), who hadn't played together in 20 years, this was one of the major musical events of 2011. Despite the best efforts of the ushers, at least one cellphone video has slipped on to YouTube"

Ringing in the New Year with the Greyboy Allstars!

2011-12-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

The last two nights of 2011 will see Fred reuniting with his old friend Karl Denson and the Greyboy Allstars in California for shows commemorating the classic "West Coast Boogaloo" album at the Belly Up in Solana Beach and the Independent in San Francisco.

Advance press for the event includes this article by Scott McDonald in the North County Times; this one by George Varga in the San Diego Union-Tribune and this one by Dave Good in the San Diego Reader.

Documenting James Brown on Seattle radio

2011-12-19T10:51:00.001-05:00

The latest in Michele Meyers' series of radio documentaries for Seattle station KEXP, 90.3 FM, is "James Brown Creates Funk," and it features Fred and Rickey Vincent, who wrote the definitive book Funk, the Music the People and the Rhythm of the One, as well as the foreword to Fred's book. Click here to listen to the documentary archived online.

Speaking of Fred's book, the Funky Fred Wesley Store is sold out of hardback copies, which are going for more than $80 USD on Amazon.com, but there's still time to get an autographed softcover in time for holiday giving. Also available is the CD compilation, "The Best of Fred Wesley, Vol 2." Visit www.funkyfredwesley.com.

Celebrating Cousin Song's New Japanese release

2011-12-15T17:13:00.000-05:00

In addition to "The Lost Album," Fred also is excited about the Japanese release of the "Let Love Shine" album by his "new" cousin Song Byrd. Song, who Fred met for the first time in 2008 at the Detroit funeral of his beloved "Aunt T.T.," Sarah Stevens Edwards, who was Song's grandmother by marriage. It turned out she is an excellent neo soul singer who has become close family, and with whom he looks forward to playing at least one gig in 2012.

Comparing her to Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan and the late Phyllis Hyman, Japan's Sweet Soul Records released the album under an exclusive license agreement with French Nu-Jazz producers Alexandre Tassel and Guillaume Naturel (Tassel & Naturel). "Let Love Shine" features guest artists including Marcus Miller, Manu Katché, E-Z Trigga, Acquenin, DJ Cam, and the late Guru, the other half of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr.

Song performing with Tassel & Naturel

Song

Fred will appear as a guest with Song and Tassel & Naturel on March 2, 2012 at La Fabrique in Nantes, France. He also hopes to have her appear with the New JBs on some gigs during the summer.

After the release of her first album, "In The Fireplace" in 1999, Song moved to France where she participated in the recordings of several albums. She has been featured on albums such as "Street Soul," "Just A Feeling," "Deux Pieds Sur Terre," and "Fillet of Soul Opus 2." She has been on stage with the likes of Keziah Jones, Les Nubians, Manu Katché, and Lisa Stansfield, and has opened for Lil Brother, Bobby Lyle, Peabo Bryson and the late great Isaac Hayes.

Check her out:
http://www.facebook.com/thesongbyrd

http://www.reverbnation.com/songbyrd

http://www.twitter.com/SongByrd

"Lost Album" found and on sale now

2011-12-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the holidays, "The Lost Album (Feat. 'Watermelon Man')" has been found and is available now on Amazon.com, which touts it with this editorial review:

"In the early 1970s, as James Brown gained new ground with a hungry group of young musicians he called "The J.B.'s," the Godfather of Soul knew one man could best lead the band: Fred Wesley, the trombonist who was a master at funk arranging. Under Brown's direction, Wesley would become famous for his solos, and leadership, on the classic hits "Soul Power," "Gimme Some More" and "Pass The Peas." Brown thanked Fred, who was a jazzman at heart, by offering him a jazz album under his own name: The JB's and Fred Wesley. Recording ensued; a single was issued, "Watermelon Man," but the LP release was cancelled. Now, from Hip-oSelect.com, is the complete album as Fred Wesley intended, with six of its nine tracks issued for the first time anywhere, plus four bonus tracks from the sessions that were only previously issued as 45-rpm singles. Except for "Watermelon Man," which used the J.B.'s - with Brown himself on drums - The JB's and Fred Wesley features the cream of New York studio musicians: Randy and Michael Brecker, Joe Farrell, Eddie Daniels, Steve Gadd, Ron Carter and many others. The album is rich with then-current hits, from Brown's own "Get On The Good Foot" to Bill Withers' "Use Me," the standard "Secret Love," which Wesley had been playing for years, and originals by Fred and his arranger Dave Matthews, all in a tightly arranged jazz-funk setting. With the conclusion of the James Brown Singles Series, it would seem the JB vault is dry. Not so: The JB's and Fred Wesley/ The Lost Album featuring Watermelon Man is but one release of more from the archives."

Click here to buy it now. Enjoy!

In the mix at MoMA

2011-12-07T12:40:00.001-05:00

Fred's friend Vincent Provini, who interviewed him in Paris for France's FIP radio station to promote the release of "With A Little Help From My Friends," will spin some of Fred's music at New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on January 5, 2012.

Provini and fellow DJ Luc Frelon together are "L'Improbable Mix," "DJs who play around the world, keeping in mind the eclecticism of FIP while tailoring their live sets to the environment, from festivals and dance parties to museums and performance spaces."

Jan. 5 will find them as the featured guests for MoMA Nights, a fun series that features DJs, drinks and dinner.

Click here to listen to his interview, and here to see a photo from the visit to the station.

Playing for kids in Cali; flashbacks in photos

2011-11-21T13:20:00.000-05:00

Still healing from his hand surgery and plagued with a bit of a bug, Fred nonetheless managed to finish out the Abraham Inc. mini-tour this month with an exciting show for a theater full of children in kindergarten through 5th grade at UC-Berkeley, through the Cal Performances SchoolTime program.


In front, l-r, David Krakauer, Fred, Brandon Wright, Freddie Hendrix. In back, rapper C-Rayz Walz.

As the year winds down, we're remembering some of the highlights thanks to photographers sharing photos, including the following shots from Jean-Christophe Shen-ku Dupasquier from the New JBs' stop in Switzerland in September, and Piotr Siatkowski, from the Abe Inc. visit to Poland in June. Thanks JD and Piotr!

Piotr the shooter got shot himself during the soundcheck at the Jewish Cultural Festival in Krakow, where he caught this shot of Fred.

Piotr Siatkowski, Socalled, Freddie Hendrix

Out West with Abraham Inc.

2011-11-12T18:33:00.000-05:00

Fred, still recovering from minor carpal tunnel surgery he had on Nov. 2, is sporting a stylish bandage on a three-show swing with Abraham Incorporated that started Thursday night at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Sound engineer David Merrill posed with Fred before catching shots of Fred playing during the Thursday evening sound check, as well as several, including the one below, of his trusty trombone, ready for action.

Fred caught the following shots himself at the same soundcheck, of Socalled and rapper C-Rays Walz.

Socalled

Socalled, C-Rayz

Before the surgery, Fred stopped in at LeCafe Jazz, in Columbia, S.C., where he jammed a little with old and new jazz friends including local singer Cheri Maree.

Fred, Cheri Maree

A jazzy good time in Europe

2011-10-25T12:10:00.000-04:00

Fred got a chance to immerse himself in his musical first love, jazz, during a European performance at Birdland in Ingolstadt, Germany, as part of the all-star tribute to Lionel Hampton that gave him a chance to play and hang with jazzy friends including saxophone legend Red Holloway, jazz vocalist extraordinaire Carla Cook, Swedish trumpeter Anders Bergcrantz and German drummer Guido May.

Red Holloway with tribute promoter Jason Franklin

Carla Cook

Anders Bergcrantz

Guido May

The week before, promoter Jason Franklin took Fred with his Lionel Hampton Tribute to Le Havre, France, where the featured artists also included vocalist Kevin Mahogany, trumpeter Ronald Baker and alto saxophonist Jesse Davis. Fred's buddy Pee Wee Ellis performed with his band in Le Havre the next day.

Ronald Baker and Jesse Davis

Fred, Ronald and Pee Wee

Fred, Pee Wee and Maceo: Back together again in New York

2011-10-14T12:58:00.001-04:00

The long-awaited reunion of the trio once known collectively as the JB Horns finally happened in New York, at the Town Hall before an enthusiastic crowd that got the Funky Good Time it came to enjoy.

Among the enthusiasts on hand were photographers Dino Perrucci (who took the shot above), Allison Murphy and Greg Aiello, who shared shots including the ones below. Also on hand were new friends including Rica Nik, who also took some photos.

Rica and Fred

Keep scrolling past the concert shots for more photos documenting the rest of the visit to New York, which included a recording session with D'Angelo, a visit to Julliard to see a performance by younger trombone star Wycliffe Gordon, and a music development session with semi-retired New York session singer Joshi Armstead.

Fred, Maceo and Pee Wee also had the pleasure of being interviewed by New York Times writer Larry Rohter, who turned in this fine article, and New York Times photographer Chester Higgins Jr., who got these shots and who, it turns out, is from Lower Alabama like Fred.

Pee Wee, Maceo, Fred

Fred, Maceo, Pee Wee

Fred, Chester, Pee Wee, Maceo

Yuri (of Blake Zidell & Associates PR), Fred, Joya, Pee Wee, Maceo, Charlotte (Pee Wee's wife and manager)

Thanks to all who made the adventure so much fun!

Thanks, Dino, for these shots:

Thanks, Greg, for these shots:

Thanks, Rica, for this shot:

Finally, enjoy these shots from our family cameras:

Chester shooting Fred

Pee Wee, Times writer Larry Rohter, Maceo and Fred

Fred recording a trademark solo for D'Angelo's upcoming release.

D'Angelo and Fred

Wycliffe and Fred at Julliard


Joshi and Fred

Love and funk in New Orleans

2011-09-29T17:23:00.001-04:00

The wedding of Greg and Weize Aiello was a magical evening and a funky good time sparkling with musical luminaries. It happened Saturday, Sept. 24, at the lovely Pavilion of the Two Sisters in New Orleans' City Park, and Fred was blessed to be part of a beautiful reunion with musicians including Kirk Joseph, Skerik, Lettuce, and Steve Bernstein, and musical supporters including photographer Dino Perrucci. Dino caught these two awesome shots.

Kirk and Skerik walk Weize down the aisle to the strains of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme."

Fred and Joya

And we caught these, including the first one with Dino and partner-photographer Allison Murphy on the other side of the camera. Fred's funky friends in these shots also include guitarist Eric Krasno, Kirk Joseph and his better half, Venessa, trombonist Craig Klein of Bonerama, and Hanna Naji.

Fred past, present and future ...

2011-09-27T12:30:00.001-04:00

From the past, click here for 2010 video from Scotland.

Right now, Fred is in Minneapolis, where he's playing as part of a Lionel Hampton Tribute concert at the Dakota Club. The tribute features legendary singer Dianne Schurr, and Fred considers the chance to play with her a personal musical milestone.

Most importantly, click here to buy your tickets now for the history-making New York City concert featuring Fred with Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker at the historic Town Hall. Check out the poster below, created by master funk support designer Heinrich Buttler.

Thanks, Europe, for another great little tour!

2011-09-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

The trip that began Sept. 6, 2011, when Fred flew to Paris for the awesome Jazz a La Villette workshop, ended Sept. 19, on the birthday of New JBs drummer Bruce Cox. In between the band made stops -- and met friends and fans -- in Freiburg, Germany, and the cities of Baden, Thun and Biel in Switzerland. Special thanks to our European booking agent, Gert Pfankuch of Musikbuero, and to our friends Daniel, Hans-Ruedi, Sam and Marisa at Groovesound for making the tour such a funky good time. Extra-special thanks to our friends at the Etage Club in Biel for adding a special birthday party for Bruce.

Stay tuned for more shots from the post-Paris part of the tour, but here's one of trumpeter Gary Winters, who was inspired to use a wine glass as a mute in Freiburg when Fred added his bluesy tune "Slide Man" to the set list.

Revisiting the awesome experience at La Villette once more, many thanks to Guillaume Besato, a clarinet player and workshop participant who sent along the following shots, along with his whole gallery, which you can access by clicking here.

Workshop participant Fannie, who Fred describes as "an excellent trombone player."

Thanks, finally, to longtime friend Mohamed "Ben" Bengriba, who sent along the following shots.

Propagating the funk in Paris!

2011-09-14T04:25:00.000-04:00

This year's Jazz A La Villette Festival in Paris featured a workshop for 100 horn players led by Fred and the New JBs with longtime co-hort Pee Wee Ellis, organized by French funk workshop maven Djamila Alioua of K'Dense. Photographer/designer/Fred- and funk-supporter extraordinaire Heinrich Buttler was on the scene and took some excellent photos, including these.

Maceo Parker, whose band also played the festival on the sold-out evening of Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, took the stage briefly with Fred, Pee Wee and the New JBs.

Click here for more of Heinrich's photos, available online through Oct. 31, 2011.

Lola! and more at the Long Beach Funk Fest

2011-08-31T13:11:00.000-04:00

Fred and the New JBs headlined the third installment of the Long Beach Funk Fest -- a free, environmental-friendly event that's gained the love and respect of California funk fans by fulfilling its stated purpose: Sustaining our Future Through Funk. Also featured were other artists including former Slave lead singer, Steve Arrington.

Among the highlights of the beautiful Saturday, Aug. 20, was getting to see Lola Love, Fred's longtime family friend and former colleague from when both were part of the James Brown Revue in the early 1970s -- Fred as music director and Lola as a dancer and singer. She now is a Southern California-based certified life coach, and always a joy to see.

Fred and Lola!

Fest founder Bobby Easton and his team, including volunteers Zelda, Desiree, Jen, and coordinator/host extraordinaire MsT, made it fun for Fred and the whole band, and MsT added to the day a delicious breakfast at the local Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. The band was greeted at Roscoe's with a funky performance by the Sea Funk Brass Band. Fred also got to gather with fans and to visit with the host of the Fest, funk scholar extraordinaire Rickey Vincent, author of "Funk: The Music, The People and The Rhythm of the One," and author of the foreword to Fred's book, "Hit Me Fred: Recollections of a Side Man."

Fred with fans outside Roscoe's.

Bobby Easton, Joya, (Jen) and MsT

Bobby and Fred

The Sea Funk Brass Band

New JBs L.A.-based saxman Ernie Fields Jr. and Fred, checking in at the Queen Mary Hotel.

MsT and Fred

Fred and Rickey Vincent

Down memory lane in Mobile

2011-08-19T12:18:00.000-04:00

Fred reunited with old friends and family -- and fellow musicians old and new when he appeared Sunday, Aug. 14, as a special guest in the Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Downtown Mobile. The event was organized by Fred's "brother" Karl Hill of HearMobile.net, and featured a band led by saxophonist Roland Cobb.

Among those in attendance were saxophonist Theodore Arthur, a friend and musical cohort of Fred's from way back in the day, and a former member of Fred's New JBs; Jabo Starks, Mobile native and famed drummer from the the original JBs; and Gertie Wesley, Fred's first wife and mother of his three lovely daughters.

Here are photos from the event. Enjoy.

Fred and Karl Hill

Fred with Roland Cobb

Fred and Theodore Arthur

Fred and John "Jabo" Starks

Dora Dixie and Gertie Wesley

Fred's heading home to Mobile, Alabama

2011-08-12T11:59:00.003-04:00

Fred's longtime friends, fans and even family in his hometown of Mobile (pronounced mo-beel') are getting ready for Sunday, when he'll bring his special brand of funk and jazz to the hearMobile.net series at the Holiday Inn Downtown Mobile. The series is organized by Karl Hill, Fred's dear "brother by another mother."

Click here to read the preview article written by Lawrence F. Speckler for the Mobile Press-Register.

Stay tuned for more info about other upcoming excitement for Fred and for the New JBs, including the Long Beach Funk Fest on Aug. 20, La Villette in early September, and the long awaited reunion show, "Pee Wee, Fred & Maceo: A Funky Good Time," on Oct. 6, at Town Hall in New York City.

Fred in the ATL with Russell Gunn

2011-08-04T00:26:00.000-04:00

Fred made an appearance Friday at Art Beats + Lyrics, playing with trumpeter Russell Gunn and his band. The event brings together visual artists with poets, rappers and musicians in a multi-faceted showcase for unrecognized urban artists. Here are shots of the scene from Fred's camera.

Russell and Fred onstage

Fred started the day at WCLK, 91.9-FM, as the guest of Jamal Ahmad, host of the show, The Soul of Jazz. Fred was impressed by Ahmad's interviewing skills, saying it was the best interview he'd had in a long time. "You were prepared and you asked good questions," he said. Another highlight was the montage of Fred's music put together by station production manager Marquis Lofton.

Jamal and Fred

Jamal, Fred and Marquis

Fred's on BBC Radio

2011-07-28T10:21:00.000-04:00

Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview with Fred featured last week on the BBC radio show "Americana," with Jonny Diamond. Fred's segment closes the show. If you're in a rush, fast forward to the 22:26 time point after the commercial to hear him.

A hot time at the Smithsonian Folklife Fest

2011-07-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Mark Puryear and all our people at the Smithsonian Institution who helped make the Rhythm & Blues program happen at this year's Folklife Festival! Thanks, too, to the fans, friends, family and fellow music makers who helped ensure that it was a funky good time for all involved. The event featured a total of eight performances by Fred and the band, along with several discussion on the Session Stage. Click here for video. Also, click here for more still photos from the entire festival, which included programs on the Peace Corps and Columbia. Click here to see Mark and his team of staff and interns who worked so hard to keep us all comfortable.

Enjoy these family photos, as well as additional shots provided along with many thanks to attending photographers Andre Alexander and Greg Lawler.

The New JBs, with guest member Freddie Hendrix on trumpet

The Smithsonian's Timothy Anne Burnside interviewing Fred on the Session Stage.

Stories from the Road

Fred on the Session Stage with Sam Lathan of the Monitors

Dwayne and Freddie

Linda Shider, Fred and Vesper Osborne

The Swallows

Sam and the Weavers (African basket-weavers participating in the Peace Corps program)

Sam, Cherise and Fred

A highlight of the week for Fred was getting to spend time with his grandchildren, including his grandsons, 4-year-old Coleman Britt and 7-month-old Parker Gary.

Cole and Fred

Fred and Parker

Thanks to Andre Alexander for these shots of Cole onstage with his "Poppie" and the New JBs.

Finally, thanks to Greg Lawler for these shots.

Video and images from Poland

2011-07-12T08:40:00.000-04:00

Fred has just finished up with his New JBs at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Stay tuned for photos from this festival, which this year is celebrating R&B music with the program Rhythm and Blues: Tell it Like it Is.

Meanwhile, below are photos and links to video from Fred's trip to Poland earlier this month with Abraham Incorporated. The band played July 1 at the Open'er Festival, the country's largest open air festival, which happens in Gdynia, a city in the north of Poland at the Baltic Sea coast, and on July 2 at the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow. Click here, here and here for video -- and links to more youtube video -- from the two events.

Finally, here are stills from the trip. Enjoy.

Abe Inc. onstage at the Open'er Festival

Socalled meets the paparazzi in Krakow, while Freddie Hendrix warms up his trumpet.

Abe Inc guitarist Allen "Waw Waw" Watsky backstage in Krakow with his riq.

Josh, David and Fred with interviewer and festival MC.

Fred navigating one of the hazards of his work, climbing down from the huge stage in Krakow.

Funky Fred for Free in D.C.

2011-07-06T08:25:00.000-04:00

Fans who are in or near Washington, D.C., can hear Fred with his New JBs at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this week, as well as on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. today. Click here for more information about this evening's show, and here for more information about the Festival's performances and discussion sessions.

Here is the schedule for Fred and the band, which includes Bruce Cox on drums, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, Reggie Ward on guitar, Barney McAll on keys, Ernie Fields Jr. on sax and flute, and Freddie Hendrix on trumpet. See you there!

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2011

11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Interview (Fred, Joya)

1:10-2:15 p.m.: Performance on the Motor City Stage (All)

4:15-5 p.m. Stories from the Road session (Ernie, Reggie, Joya)

6-8 p.m.: Performance on the Motor City Stage (All)

FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011

11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Stories from the Road session (Fred, Joya)

1:10-2:15 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

4:25-5:30 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2011

11:45a.m.-12:20 p.m.: R&B Through the Decades session (Ernie, Fred, Reggie)

12:30-1:15 p.m.: Stories from the Road session (Bruce, Dwayne, Joya)

2:15-3:20 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011

12:05-1:10 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

3:20-4:25 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

5-5:30 p.m.: Interview with Fred Wesley and Sam Lathan (Fred, Joya)

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2011

11a.m.-12:05 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

1:15-2 p.m.: Stories from the Studio session (Ernie, Reggie, Fred)

3:20-4:25 p.m.: Performance on the Soulsville Stage (All)

Midsummer Night Swingin' in NYC

2011-07-02T13:59:00.000-04:00

Fred's in Krakow, Poland, now with Abraham Inc. for the Jewish Culture Festival. Stay tuned for photos from the Poland swing, which also included a performance July 1 at the Open'er Fest. For now, enjoy these shots from the performance June 28 at the Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park in New York City, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Soul Train.

The show featured Fred with Pee Wee Ellis, along with guest vocalists Martha High, a longtime member of the James Brown Review, and Fred Ross of California. Also included were three members of Fred's New JBs: Bruce Cox on drums, Gary Winters on trumpet and Barney McAll on keys. Original JBs member Fred Thomas played bass and California-based guitarist Ray Obiedo rounded out the lineup.

Here are photos courtesy of the Schmidt family, friends of Fred's Funky Family friend Heinrich Buttler:

Fred Wesley, Fred Ross, Pee Wee Ellis

Martha High

Here's a shot by Funky Family Friend and photographer Greg Aiello:

Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis

Finally, photos by our cousin, Song "Byrd" Williamson:

Fred Ross, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Gary Winters, and special soundcheck guest Bill Bragin of Lincoln Center

Gary and Song

Pee Wee, Gary and Fred

Funky Fred's silver sneaks from Serbia

Ray Obiedo, Bruce Cox, Fred Ross, Barney McAll

Fred Ross, Pee Wee, Gary

Funky Fred's longtime friend Joshi Armstead, an original Ikette

Fred and Joshi

Fred with dancer proteges of original Soul Train dancer Tyrone Proctor

Original JB Fred Thomas

Revisiting Soul Train from NYC

2011-06-28T13:34:00.000-04:00

Fred will perform tonight in New York City as part of Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night's Swing series with cohort Pee Wee Ellis in a set that will celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Soul Train." This morning, The guys gathered with former Soul Train dancer Tyrone Proctor and some of his students (including Princess Lockerooo and Akim Funk Buddha) for featured segments on the local Fox TV channel with Julie Chang. Click here to see video clips.

For NYC Fred fans, the ticketed part of the show is sold out, but it's free outside the fence for as many can squeeze into Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, located at Columbus and 62nd St. in Manhattan.

Here are some photos from the morning gathering. Thanks to Fred's cousin/photographer/singer Song Williamson. Thanks, Song!

Princess Lockeroo with Akim Funk Buddha

Still Black, Still Proud ... in L.A.

2011-06-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

Fred was a special guest at the 33rd Annual Playboy Jazz Festival at Southern California's Hollywood Bowl as part of saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis' project Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown. Also a featured guest was lovely San Francisco-based Ethiopian singer Meklit Hadero, pictured here with Pee Wee and Fred.

More photos from Coutances

2011-06-10T12:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks to young photographer Justine Neff for more photos from the New JBs' evening "Sous Les Pommiers" in Coutances, France, last week, including this one of the horn section during the soundcheck.

Ernie, Fred and Harry

Click here to enjoy her entire gallery. Thanks, Justine!

European quickie: June 2011

2011-06-08T10:01:00.000-04:00

Fred and a slightly different version of the New JBs -- with Vince Evans on keys and Harry Kim on trumpet -- did a quick three hits in Europe last week: at the clubs Fabrik in Hamburg and Quasimodo in Berlin, and culminating with a cool night at the 30th anniversary edition of the Jazz Sous Les Pommiers (Jazz Under the Apple Trees) Festival in Coutance, France. Below are photos from the three shows. Thanks to all who came out and all who helped make the tour happen.

Hamburg, June 2 (photo by Joya Wesley):

Berlin, June 3 (photos by Heinrich Buttler)

Fred

Bruce

Ernie

Reggie

Vince

Fred, Harry, Ernie

Coutances (photo by Francois Geraud):

On a final note, although he couldn't make it this time, photographer Arvo Wichmann was on the scene at the band's last visit to Quasimodo, last October. Click here to enjoy his photos from that show. Thanks Arvo!

Fred and the New JBs tour photos: Europe, May 2011

2011-05-25T14:30:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to funky photographers from Germany and France for taking the following photos and helping us document the May 2011 European tour by Fred and the New JBs, which included scheduled stops in Bonn, Germany, Zurich, Switzerland, and Saarguemines, Ivry sur Seine, Montpellier, Marseille and La Rochelle, France. A couple of unscheduled stops resulted from a troubled tour bus, but even that made for some great shots and all ended well. Enjoy!

Here's a photo from Fred's camera, shot somewhere in the wilds of France:

(l-r) Peter, Dwayne, Reggie, Phillip, Bruce

Here are photos from Joya's camera:

Peter and Dwayne help with the attempted repairs.

Peter, Alain Heid and Dwayne celebrate Dwayne's birthday in Saarguemines.

Fred with the crew at Le Jam in Montpellier.

Fred funking at Le Jam.

Fred before his chateau (hotel) near La Rochelle.

Here are photos from Regina Ekamp at the "Soul Preacher" show organized by Heinrich Buttler at his church in Bonn, Germany:

MC Heinrich

Funky kids

The "Soul Sisters," volunteers who dressed in '70s attire for the occasion, having a funky good time.

More Soul Sisters

Fred signing CDs next to volunteer Annette Unkelbach, who helped him sell.

Here are photos from Jennifer Pasquier in Montpellier, France, taken at Le Jam:

Fred

Reggie

Gary

Peter

Dwayne

Phillip

Finally, here are photos from Cecile Mourlaque at La Sirene in La Rochelle, France, where Fred met with conservatory students before performing to a crowd of more than 600 at a show opened by the Youngblood Brass Band:

Fred with translator meeting conservatory students at La Sirene.

Fred signing posters for students.

Fred posing with students.

The New JBs onstage at La Sirene

Bruce

Reggie

Love Letter to Fred: From Bonn, May 12, 2011

2011-05-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to our blue-eyed brother Heinrich Buttler, shown here with a poster autographed by Fred, for the following post-gig love letter. It was a great night and the New JBs will look forward to doing it again. Click here to check out the new discography!

A huge thanks to MR. FRED WESLEY!

Without a doubt, Fred Wesley has a God-given talent and gave us good demonstration in our church. If religion can mean that one soul reaches another then Mr. Wesley played a worship! Around 350 people gave him enthusiastic response! Someone may have thought: Is this the Apollo? We were quite aware of who we had in our little church and still are highly appreciative that Mr. Wesley & The New J.B.'s supported our charity trust. We do not only love the outstanding musician Fred Wesley but also the authentic and sympatico human being. I think as part of my introduction I described him as "A REAL AMERICAN ICON" and that's exactly how I feel about him. Speaking about Fred Wesley means speaking about 50 years stage experience and probably far more than 10,000 live performances during that time. Worldwide Mr. Wesley is respected to be THE BEST trombone player in any kind of genre, of course especially when it comes to funk and jazz. Often he is unfairly reduced to his great collaborations as arranger and trombonist for "The Godfather Of Soul" James Brown, but his abilities embrace a far wider range. Being fascinated with Mr. Wesley's art I had the great pleasure and even greater honor to write his discography. An assignment convicted to fail. Quickly I had to learn a Fred Wesley discography is never complete, never correct but it’s now part of his website! Check it out, it's steadily growing. -- Heinrich Buttler

Breaking Bread in Bonn and Saarguemines

2011-05-12T03:28:00.000-04:00

Fred's old friends Heinrich Buttler of Bonn, Germany, and Alain Heid of Saarguemines, France, turned promoters for the first two dates of the New JBs' spring tour of Europe. Click here for (German) coverage of the unique Bonn show, held at Heinrich's church, and here for (French) coverage of the Saarguemines show, sponsored by the local Rotary Club, featuring a guest appearance by area saxwoman Celia Baron.

Here are pictures from the shows, which began a seven-date tour that continued May 8 in Zurich, and today through Sunday in Ivry-sur-Seine, Montpellier, Marseilles and La Rochelle, France.

Photos from Bonn by Walter Schnabel:

MC Heinrich

MC Heinrich and Fred

Here are photos by Heinrich from Bonn:

Peter Madsen

Dwayne Dolphin

Bruce Cox

Reggie Ward

Phillip Whack

Here are photos by Celia's husband, Siggi Schenke:

Here are photos by Heinrich from "the morning after," in Saarguemines:

Fred and the New JBs (Dwayne Dolphin, Buce Cox, Peter Madsen, Reggie Ward, Gary Winters and Phillip Whack).

Fred and the New JBs with Alain and Evelyn Heid.

Finally, from that same morning, Fred and Heinrich:

Heinrich and Fred

Thanks to all our funky photogs, and to all who made these shows happen! Stay tuned for more photos from the tour.

Tell It Like It Is!

2011-05-06T14:37:00.000-04:00

Fred and the New JBs -- in Bonn, Germany, today, beginning a tour of Europe that will take the band to Zurich and through France -- will be featured July 7-11 this year in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s program, Rhythm and Blues: Tell It Like It Is. Click here to learn more about the festival, and make your plans now to get funky with Fred on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Love Letter to Fred: From Maryland, April 22, 2011

2011-04-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

Thanks to fellow trombonist Robert Hayes Sr. for this Facebook message:

"Subject: Well Wishes...from a Trombone Fraternity

Good Evening Mr. Wesley: I have played trombone for the past 40 yrs. Never have I played and heard so many young musicians pay tribute to a trombone player as the gret Fred Wesley. I performed back in 79 in Cheraw, SC., home of the immortal Dizzy Gillespie (in attendance) with Fayetteville State Univ.'s jazz band. Comments from the local school were..you (as in I) play pretty good, but nobody is better than the Great Fred Wesley !!! Just a THANK YOU TO YOU FOR BEING A GREAT TROMBONE PLAYER AND BLAZING A TRAIL FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME !!!!!!!....bob hayes."

Love letter to Fred: From Argentina, April 17, 2011

2011-04-21T13:51:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Marco Venneri, shown here with Fred and his friend Mariano, for the kind words that follow.

"Hi!

My name is Marco and I was one of the lucky winners of the "Meet & Greet Fred Wesley" contest in Buenos Aires. I just wanted to thank Fred and The New JB's for coming to our beautiful country to share your amazing funky music. I've never thought Fred was going to come to Argentina. If you allow me, I'm going to share a few words with you about the show and the experience.

I would first like to tell you what I felt during the show. I felt like I couldn't believe I was listening to Fred and the band playing live. It was such an amazing show! Both of them (I came to both of them). I liked the second one better because I felt that people were more enthusiastic and warmer. I even saw Fred look at Bruce and smile at some point during the second show. From that moment, Bruce was smiling the whole show as if he couldn't believe how people was enjoying, screaming and dancing. The band was awesome in both of the shows. Today is sunday and I can still listen to the groove in my head! I woke up on Friday and I was dancing while listening to the music inside me. Let me say that the last show was a Wednesday, and it's kind of weird for me to be thinking and listening to the music to this day. Only Fred Wesley and the New JB's could do something like that. Thank you again for that!

Now I would like to share with you what I've felt when meeting Fred. I can't believe I met a legend in person! One of the best trombone players in the world. I even talked to him! I shook his hand! I don't know if Fred remembers because this was before the first show, and he had met a lot of people in these few days, but I'm the guy that came with a friend of mine who plays the trombone. I told Fred that Mariano had also been my first saxophone teacher. He is the one who introduced me to Maceo Parker's music while I was learning music with him, and I introduced him to Fred's music (and now Mariano is learning how to play the trombone). I had the chance to take him with me to come meet you, Fred. I want to thank you for being so kind with us. You were really cool. From the few minutes I've spent with you talking, I was able to tell how humble you are. I later confirmed this when the show was over and you were signing autographs and albums for the whole crowd that was in La Trastienda. You even told Mariano to come back on Wednesday with his horn. That's what I call a musician! An artist! A great person!
Mariano couldn't come. I came on Wednesday and I wanted to bring my sax to show it to you. But I had a complicated day and I couldn't do it (besides I didn't know if they were going to let me in to me meet you again). But at least I was able to make into the show (the best show of my life yet).

I'm sending you the pictures I took when I met you (Mariano is on the left and I'm on the right). What can I say? It was the best moment of my life. It's amazing how a few minutes with someone you've admire for ever can make your life have a spark that wasn't there before (Hope it never goes away). Thank you Fred!!!!!!!!!"

40 Trombones and Fred in Buenos Aires

2011-04-15T07:37:00.000-04:00

Mariela

Meet Mariela Scarfo, a young trombonist/artist/funk lover who had an idea for a workshop during Fred's stay in Argentina. She got moving and making calls and quickly turned it into this:

Flyer for Fred's masterclass outside Domus Artis

It then flowered into this excellent gathering of trombonists to a beautiful, cozy, acoustically-perfect space at Domus Artis.

Great work. Muchas gracias to Mariela, Juan, and all those who participated and helped make it happen.

Finally, more thanks to all the people who made the band's two-night stand at La Trastienda such a great success, especially to our new friend Max, whose band 12/12 Funk opened the show. Fred called 12/12 Funk -- a group of beautiful people keeping the funk alive for new generations -- "a good funky band" that "has that P-Funk thang down real good." To the whole crew, muchas gracias!

Fred and Max at La Trastienda

Love Letter to Fred: Argentina, April 12, 2011

2011-04-14T03:02:00.000-04:00

Izabela Szostak-Smith was in the crowd with her fiance James on Tuesday, the first of two sold-out nights for Fred and the New JBs at La Trastienda Club in Buenos Aires. Along with the following e-mail, she sent photos from the night, which you can view by clicking here. Muchos gracias Izabela and James!

Dear Mr Wesley,

It was a great pleasure to tune into your band's performance last night. My fiance James and I have been travelling in South America for 7 months now and we both agree that the last night's concert has been one of the most invigorating experiences we've encountered. The Argentinian wine and your phenomenal music are still buzzing fresh in our blood today but we will carry the memories of last night for a long time. Thank you so much.

I hope we will have an opportunity to listen to your music again in the near future. Are you planning to extend the tour to Europe - in particular England and Poland (my fiance's and my home countries, respectively)?

As promised, I am sending a few photos I took at your concert last night. That is the least I can do to thank you and your band. I hope you will enjoy them. ...

God bless you.

Best regards,

Izabela Szostak - Smith

(Note: No immediate plans to play the UK, but Fred will play Poland with Abraham Inc at the end of June.)

Thank you, Buenos Aires!

2011-04-13T15:58:00.000-04:00

An enthusiastic sold-out crowd at the beautiful La Trastienda club greeted Fred and the cats last night, and they responded by playing a truly inspired show.

Fred and Barney

Fred's days in Argentina have been packed with great performances, interviews and a warm welcome all across the board. Click to read this interview posted by Santiago Rial Ungaro for Rolling Stone South America. Watch this space and the media archives for more coverage, which was masterfully coordinated by Ernesto Chalita and Vicky Zapata of Pop Art Music.

Highlights have included:

a beautiful Argentina-style barbecue at the home of lawyer and amateur accordianist Antonio Di Bennedetto and his family, especially his lovely wife Gabriela and journalism-student daughter Deborah, in Venado Tuerto, in the Santa Fe province. Muchos gracias to the Di Bennedettos, as well as to promoter Paul Citraro who put on the Tuerto show at the Teatro Ideal.

Fred and Antonio

Standing: Reggie, Barney, Gary, Fred, Antonio, Ernie, Paul and Dwayne; kneeling: Bruce, Mariano, Joya

A live, in-studio performance for a radio show hosted by Argentine trumpeter Gillespi Rodriguez.

Dwayne, Fred, Gary, Gillespi, Ernie, Barney, Bruce and Reggie.

and so much more, including a second La Trastienda show tonight! Stay tuned.

On the road again -- this time in South America

2011-04-10T07:36:00.000-04:00

Fred's doing his favorite thing: traveling and playing with his band, the New JBs. Here they are with promoter Mariano "MC" Cardozo of Baires Blues in the airport in Neuquen, Argentina, where they played Friday night.

Mariano Cardozo, Reggie Ward (guitar), Barney McAll (keys), Gary Winters (trumpet), Fred, Dwayne Dolphin (bass), Bruce Cox (drums) and Ernie Fields Jr. (sax, flute)

Mario, Stephanie, Fred

"I'm very proud of my band," Fred told radio host Mario De Cristofaro of Radio Nacional Argentina during an interview Saturday translated by Stephanie Rubio.

Stephanie and Fred

Today they're off to Tuerto City in the Santa Fe region of Argentina, parts of which are plastered with posters announcing the band's first-time arrival.

Abraham Inc. in Europe: More photos

2011-04-08T02:52:00.000-04:00

Fourteen days, 10 shows, and thousands of kilometers -- the recent tour with Abraham Inc. was a long haul and a great success. Below are photos from the last date, in Rumilly, France, by photographer Yannick Perrin. Click here to view his entire album. Thanks, Yannick.

Fred and the New JBs are in Argentina now at the beginning of an exciting tour, the details of which can be found here. Stay tuned for photos and more.

with Brandon Wright (sax), Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), and Socalled

Rapper Raydar Ellis, Socalled, Fred, Brandon Wright and Freddie Hendrix

Abe Inc. photos from Dortmund

2011-03-25T15:59:00.000-04:00

Fred's having fun on tour with Abraham Inc., as you can see from this shot by Heinrich Buttler, who made it to the show last night at the Domicil in Dortmund, Germany.

Click here to view the entire album Heinrich has posted from the evening. Enjoy.

In Europe with Abe Inc.

2011-03-24T06:35:00.000-04:00

Tonight is stop three in Dortmund, Germany, on Fred's current tour with Abraham Inc., which also is taking him through Switzerland and France. Here's a photo from the Tuesday night date in Sartrouville, France. The crowd, as usual, loved the performance and clamored to buy CDs and to get Fred, Socalled and David Krakauer to sign them afterwards.

Photos from the Iridium Funk Summit

2011-03-22T04:49:00.000-04:00

Fred's camera has gone missing so his photos aren't available until it's found, but friends got shots at the three shows at the Iridium last weekend with his buddies Leo Nocentelli and Bernie Worrell, and new friends, Bill Dickens on bass and Adrian Harpham on drums.

Click here for a post and photos by Deee-Lite founder Lady Kier.

Click here for photos by Allison Ruth Murphy on her blog, ruthrocks.com.

Click here for photos by Dino Perucci on his blog, dinoperrucciphotography.com.

Click here for photos by Nelson G. Onofre on his blog electriceyesphotography.blogspot.com.

South America: Get ready for Fred and the New JBs!

2011-03-16T13:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings, especially to fans in South America! Please note the newly updated 
April calendar, which includes details on the upcoming first tour of South 
America for Fred and the New JBs.

Tickets are in sale now and the tour includes the following confirmed dates:

8 April: Teatro Español, Neuquen City, Argentina 

12 April : La Trastienda Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina
13 April: La Trastienda Club, Buenos Aires , Argentina
16 April: Virada Cultural Festival , San Pablo City, Brazil.


Spread the word! Gracias!

In the studio with Willi Amrod

2011-03-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

Singer/songwriter Willi Amrod, who contributed the lyrics and vocals to "Everywhere is Out of Town" on Fred's latest CD, "With A Little Help From My Friends," is working on his own next album -- which will feature horn arrangements by Fred.

Amrod traveled to Charlotte, NC, last week, where he gathered with Fred, New JBs trumpeter Gary Winters and auxiliary sax man Phillip Whack, and trombonist Victor Wesley, Fred's youngest son, for a horn recording session at Reflection Sound Studios. Enjoy these shots from the day.

Willi Amrod

Phillip, Gary, Willi and Victor

Mark, Fred and Willi

Phillip, Gary, Willi and Victor

Phillip, Gary and Victor

Reflection Sound owner Wayne Jernigan

Funk Summit at the Iridium

2011-03-03T11:43:00.000-05:00

NYC Fred fans rejoice: He'll be performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- March 18, 19 and 20 -- as part of a Funk Summit with funk guitar legend Leo Nocentelli, keyboard maestro Bernie Worrell and others at the Iridium Jazz Club, located at 1650 Broadway, at 51st St. Click here to make your reservation now, or here to win free tickets.

Live in Paris with the Froomees

2011-03-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

Here are two links to youtube video from Fred's appearance with The Froomees on Saturday at the New Morning in Paris. Click here and here.

Also enjoy these still photos from the evening, including shots with Froomees founder Djamila's family -- her sisters (including her twin), mother and niece.

What is a Froomee?

2011-02-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

Fred asked and answered the question for himself this week in Paris, which culminates Saturday night at the New Morning, where he will appear as a special guest of The Froomees. Here's what he's learned:

"What is a FROOMEE??

Well, Froomees are cute little musicians who are determined to be funky.

They have their own engineers.

And with a little help from their funky friends ...

... me and my drummer Bruce Cox, who withstood much abuse,

I think they’re gonna have a hit record."

Also this week, Fred met his youngest known fan, 2-yearold Lou-Ann, who's clearly digging his "Best of," CD.

Video from Arte TV

2011-02-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

The French-German Arte network recently featured Fred with Sly Johnson on Manu Katche's One Shot Not program. Click here for video from that appearance, including a performance of the Socalled penned tune "Beautiful," from Fred's new CD "With A Little Help From My Friends," performed with Katche and keyboardist Ben Sidran of Steve Miller Band fame. Enjoy!

Also, here are photos from the hang at the Arte studios in Paris last fall.

Fred with Sly Johnson vocalist Dominique

Sly getting a shot.

Funkin' with the Froomees

2011-02-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

Fred is in his element this week -- in the recording studio working with the young French band, The Froomees. The amazing Bruce Cox, Fred's drummer in the New JBs for nearly 20 years, also is taking part in the session, and, in Fred's words, "played his ass off last night!" Here are some photos from the day, with captions by Fred.

Bruce helped me. Here he is with co-leaders of the Froomees, Djamila and Kristle.

The rest of the Froomees rhythm section: Pascal, guitar; David, bass; and Simon, piano.

Fred funks French musicians

2011-02-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

Fred's in Paris this week, where for the fourth year in a row he was a featured instructor at the annual funk workshop organized by French sax woman and longtime friend Djamila Alioua (pictured below to Fred's left). New JBs drummer Bruce Cox worked with drummers this year. Singer Kristle Raynaud (far right below), led the vocal workshop. Participants included the director of the Normandy Conservatory, along with his wife and 13-year-old son (last photo).

Setting that '70s mood in Bonn

2011-02-15T12:37:00.000-05:00

Coming up on May 6, during the next European tour, Fred and the New JBs will play in Bonn, Germany, as part of the Pauluskirche church's "Soul Preacher" series, thanks to the work of church member and our friend, longtime fan, and our favorite photographer and graphic designer, Heinrich Buttler, who writes that he has been doing some research to get in the mood:

... I have a 300 plus something single collection. Strictly 7 inch 45s on vinyl by James Brown, Fred and other J.B. related artists. The J.B.'s had - for some odd reasons - a bunch of different names. For instance J.B.'s Wedge, The Progressors, The Devils, A.A.B.B. and others ... I found eight singles that read "Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s" and two are introducing "Fred Wesley & The NEW J.B.'s". The latter two are the same, just issued by different European countries. ... I have made color copies from the singles and will decorate the church hall or the front of the stage with these covers, so the people can catch the feel of the time when the records came out. ...

He was kind enough to share the following images and information, which we're now sharing here. Enjoy!

Fred Wesley & The J.B.s, 1974, Polydor Int. 2066455, probably French issue

Damn Right I Am Somebody, Part 1 &2

Same as above but German issue

"...the hard to find DJ-Edition of 'Damn Right I Am Somebody.' This record never leaves ebay below $100 because it contains the unedited version of the same titled song 'Damn Right I Am Somebody (Love And Happiness).' In the original recording Brown says: 'To me happiness is Fred WERLEY aaaammh Fred WESLEY playing his horn.' For the official release the mistake in the middle was cut out. Strange enough, but this is the only variation to the market pressing. Plus the promo LP contains a sticker that reads: 'Promotional copy DJ not for sale.'"

All the Funky Fred rarities from Heinrich's collection.

Love Letters to Fred?

2011-02-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day.

What better day than today to launch a new series for this blog, "Love Letters to Fred." We often receive notes of praise and funky testimonies from fans that are so lovely they deserve a larger audience. So, send them in to info@funkyfredwesley.com and we'll post them.

Why do you love Fred? Are you a young trombonist or other musician who has been inspired by him? Are there one or more of his songs, perhaps with James Brown or P-Funk, that played an important role in your personal history? Have you had the chance to meet him and learn firsthand that he's a legendary great guy in addition to being a legendary artist? Let us know. Thanks.

More Portland photos

2011-02-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Corey Plank, who was on the scene with his camera and tripod, here are some additional photos from Fred's concert with the talented young jazz players of Portland, Oregon. Enjoy.

Fred with Horsford Middle School students

Fred with Cleveland High School students

Fred with Beaumont High School students

Fred with Chief Umtech Middle School students

Stuck in Iowa: Feb. 1, 2011

2011-02-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

The monster storm that swept through the Midwest on Feb. 1, 2011, stranded Abraham Inc. in Iowa after their show at Grinnell College. The NYC concert at Le Poisson Rouge had to be canceled since travel wasn't expected to be possible again until Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011.

Fred speaks to a local TV interviewer about the weather delay in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as David Krakauer and Brandon Wright of Abe Inc. listen.

Fred in the show in Iowa.

Abe Inc photos - January 2011

2011-02-01T11:51:00.002-05:00

Fred has been on a tour the past week with the klezmer-funk-hip hop collaboration Abraham Incorporated. The tour hit Winston-Salem and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, and will finish up Wednesday at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City.

Fred's longtime running buddy and musical cohort Maceo Parker, home in Kinston, N.C., came to the Raleigh show with some relatives, including his son and bandmate Corey Parker, who lives in Raleigh.

Here are some pictures. Enjoy.

David, Fred and Socalled at Wake Forest University's Wait Chapel with young klezmer clarinet protege, Jordan Hutchinson (third from left).

With sax man Mike Acosta at Dark Pines Studio in Graham, NC, where Fred managed to fit in a quick recording session for Acosta's upcoming album.

Dionne Maldonado of WFSS-FM , the NPR News & Jazz station at Fayetteville State University, interviews Fred, Josh and David at the Stewart Theatre at NC State University in Raleigh.

Josh, David, Maceo and Fred

C-Rayz,
Abe Inc. saxophonist Brandon Wright, Fred and David in Raleigh

Abe Inc. with Maceo

Abe Inc. bassist/vocalist Jerome Harris (right), with his 84-year-old father Guy Harris, who drove to Raleigh from his home in "Little " Washington, NC, for the show.

Grinnell College students boogie to "House Party" in Iowa.

Fred, David and Josh with Grinnell student radio station DJ Daniel Kisslinger after the Iowa show.

Celebrating jazz in Portland!

2011-01-26T16:34:00.000-05:00

Mad props to Portland, Oregon, school band master Kenney Poulson, and his co-horts Cynthia Plank and Greg Mckelvey for putting together a Jazz Celebration to raise funds for music programs at the five high schools and middle schools they serve.

Their outstanding students prepared programs featuring Fred Wesley's music, with Fred himself as the inspirational special guest. The evening was a great success and had the desired effect, according to this email excerpt from Kenney, a longtime friend who invited Fred:

Fred with Kenney Poulson

Fred has had a huge impact on the kids! On Monday, I had one of my 7th grade boys (who bought a CD) play the head to EL Paso on his saxophone. Wow, what a shock!!!! Not only that, two of my girls were singing along while he played! This whole act made my day. Now, the middle school band wants to play a Fred Wesley tune. The high school band was pumped up as well, many of them were speaking about how well Fred can improvise and how easy he made it look. I think they all spent a lot of time practicing this past weekend!!!! Thanks ... for helping to stimulate the minds, and creativity of these students.

Fred with Cynthia Plank

Fred with Jared, a middle-school student

Fred onstage with the Hosford Middle School Jazz Band

Hymns & Spirituals

2011-01-24T16:28:00.001-05:00

For the sixth year in a row, saxophonist Mark Sterbank of the Charleston Southern University music faculty has presented a concert entitled "Hymns & Spirituals,"featuring jazz arrangements of traditional Christian hymns and spirituals.

Fred made a return appearance this year as part of the ensemble, which also featured Herman Burney on bass, Charleton Singleton on trumpet, Quentin Baxter on drums and Tommy Gill on piano. A concert on Sunday, Jan. 16, was followed by a two-day recording session and a performance for students. Here, courtesy of Herman Burney, are some photos from the gathering. Enjoy.

Herman Burney, Charlton Singleton, Mark Sterbank, Tommy Gill, Quentin Baxter, (engineer)

Fred and Mark

Legendary Charleston journalist and jazz supporter Jack McCray, Fred, Charlton Singleton

Fred, Charlton, Mark

RFI interview archived

2011-01-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

Click here to hear the archived version of Fred's interview airing this month on French radio network RFI.

On the air in North Carolina

2011-01-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hear an interview with Fred as part of a piece on Abraham Inc. in advance of the Jan. 27 concert at Wake Forest University's Wait Chapel. Listen live in the area on WFDD, 88.5 FM, or online by clicking here at 8:50 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 19. If you miss it, tune in to the archived version by clicking www.wfdd.org/triadarts. Enjoy!

One last Jam Cruise shot

2011-01-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Check out Fred, front and center.

Come Sunday: Hymns and Spirituals

2011-01-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

In or near Charleston, South Carolina? Check out Fred as part of the 6th annual jazz Hymns and Spirituals concert at Charleston Southern University this Sunday, Jan. 17. Click here to learn more from a preview by the Post and Courier.

More Jam Cruise photos

2011-01-14T18:58:00.000-05:00

Or, as Fred would say, "Mo'" Jam Cruise photos.

Nigel Hall and Ian Neville

Karl Denson, Big Sam, Maceo Parker, Sam Kinninger, Fred, Corey Henry, Skerick

Jennifer Hartswick

Jam Cruise photos

2011-01-11T15:19:00.000-05:00

Fred is back! He survived his first cruise -- Jam Cruise 9 -- and has these photos to show for it. Enjoy.

Big Sam, Maceo Parker, Sam Kininger, Fred and Corey Henry

Gwen Wesley, Fred, Maceo Parker, Carolyn "Bunny" Parker, Pee Wee Ellis and wife Charlotte Crofton-Sleigh

Michelle Moog, daughter of the synthesizer's creator, speaks in the ship's theatre during a Moog workshop

Lettuce with Fred and Maceo Parker

Roatan, Honduras from Fred's cabin

The MSC Poesia

The JB Horns dine with their wives

Fred with a Jam Cruiser who reminded him of Snooki

Fred, costumed Jam Cruiser and American Idol Taylor Hicks

Fred before a mural in Roatan, Honduras at the School of Life orphanage, where he played for children in an outreach activity.

Fred's better half, Gwen Wesley, enjoys coconut juice in Honduras

Check out the new Abraham Inc. video!

2011-01-05T09:05:00.000-05:00

The official music video for "Tweet Tweet," title track of the Abraham Incorporated debut album, launched today on David Krakauer's youtube site. Click here to check it out!

In Paris? Tune in to hear Fred

2011-01-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all Funky Fred Fans!

Fred sailed yesterday on Jam Cruise 9, and will be back in the USA on Sunday.

Parisian fans can tune in Saturday on 89 FM to hear a pre-recorded interview with Fred on RFI, Radio France Internationale. The interview will be broadcast on African stations the next day, and should be archived on the RFI website. Enjoy!

Photos from Atlanta

2010-12-15T22:29:00.000-05:00

Fred had a great time visiting with old friends and family during his weekend appearance at Atlanta's Studio 281 on Peters Street. A stylish and cozy traditional jazz club "for the jazz purist," the spot gave Fred a unique opportunity to revisit his own jazz purist roots. After signing books and chatting with friends and fans on Friday, he spent the whole evening Saturday playing straight-ahead jazz with the HC3 Trio.

Thanks to everyone who came out; special thanks to Studio 281, the trio and all the guest players who sat in.

Fred speaking about his book at the Friday meet & greet.

Henry "Butch" Davenport, Studio 281 owner and Fred's Mobile, Alabama homeboy, with Fred in the studios of WCLK.

Fred with WCLK personality Carl Anthony

The HC3 Trio

Fred en Francais

2010-12-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

Check out these links from Fred's recent time in Paris.

1. Click here for video of a backstage interview on drummer Manu Katche's show "One Shot Not."

2. Click here for coverage in the FunkU Magazine.

Dec. 10-11, 2010: Catch Fred at Studio 281 in Atlanta

2010-11-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Fred will return to his jazz purist roots with a performance coupled with a meet-and-greet/booksigning event at Atlanta's Studio 281, the ATL's "real jazz spot," Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11.

Fred will sign copies of his critically-acclaimed book, "Hit Me, Fred!" on Friday beginning at 7 p.m., and will play jazz, his first love, with the HC3 Trio, beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

The club is located at 281 Peters St. in the Castlebury Hill Loft District. Click here for more information.

Greg Aiello photos from Bear Creek!

2010-11-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

Bear Creek 2010 was a funky good time all around, but it got especially hot during the Sunday evening Lettuce set that featured Fred, Pee Wee and Maceo -- the former JB Horns, together again. Our friend and photographer Greg Aiello was there and got these great shots. Thanks, Greg!

Greg also caught the following shots at sets by bass men George Porter Jr. and his Running Pardners, and Tony Hall of Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, seen here with the Tony Hall Band, featuring Skerik and Sam Kinninger.

Fred, Maceo and Pee Wee -- together again!

2010-11-15T10:05:00.000-05:00

The big highlight of Bear Creek was the reunion of the three JB Horns during a set with Lettuce.

The JB Horns gathered in the backstage trailer before performing with Lettuce on Sunday, Nov. 14

Hey Now!

2010-11-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

Fred and Pee Wee sat in Saturday with New Orleans bass man George Porter Jr., formerly of the Funky Meters, at the Bear Creek Music and Art Festival.

At Large @ Bear Creek!

2010-11-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

Fred is getting around the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, this weekend, appearing with numerous bands as an Artist-At-Large at the Bear Creek Music Festival. The festival this year features a Tribute to the (old) JBs set that will reunite him with his old friends Pee Wee Ellis (below) and Maceo Parker. He's also hooking up with other friends including Skerik and Sam Kinninger. Stay tuned for video clips and more photos.

Pee Wee and Fred

Skerik and Fred

Fred and Sam Kinninger

A flash from Bonefest 2010

2010-11-10T18:34:00.000-05:00

In May of this year, Fred teamed with Ed Earley (left) and Randy Oxford (right) for the inaugural Bonefest Tour that Randy helped organize in the Pacific Northwest. Click here to view video and stay tuned for developments regarding the next edition.

Photos from Saarbrucken

2010-11-10T17:58:00.000-05:00

The Fall 2010 tour included at stop in Saarbrucken, Germany, where the crowd cheered local homegirl Celia Baron, who sat in for a couple of tunes. Here are some photos, courtesy of photographer Siggi Schenke.

Guest vocalist Willi Amrod sings his selection from the new CD, "Everywhere is Out of Town"

The New JBs w/ guests Celia Baron and Willi Amrod

Live in Poretta, Italy!

2010-11-10T15:40:00.000-05:00

The New JBs played the Porretta Soul Festival this summer in Porretta, Italy. Click here for a video sample of that performance, courtesy of Lepida TV.

Photos from Berlin

2010-11-10T15:37:00.000-05:00

Click here for photos from the New JBs' recent date at Quasimodo in Berlin. A big thank you to photographer Peter Purgar for these great shots!

Coming up: A big reunion at Bear Creek, Nov. 12-14

2010-11-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

As an Artist At Large for the second year in a row at the Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival, Fred will get together with his old friends Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis for a special set honoring their music with the jam band Lettuce, with whom he's previously collaborated. Click here to read more at jambands.com.

Funky footage from Soul Train, courtesy of NPR

2010-11-04T07:42:00.000-04:00

Click here to check out Fred getting down in 1975 with Soul Brother No. 1 and the original JBs. Thanks to Family Friend Anthony Wilson for passing it along.

Mo' photos from Cologne, Oct. 28, 2010

2010-11-04T07:38:00.000-04:00

Mo' thanks to Heinrich Buttler for these additional photos from the Stadtgarten show in Cologne on Oct. 28.

Ernie Fields Jr. and Paul Shigihara

Dwayne Dolphin on bass

Christian Elsaesser, who filled in for Peter Madsen on piano

Fall 2010 Tour Stop Three: The JazzNoJazz Festival, Zurich, Oct. 31

2010-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to photographer Johannes Vogel for these great shots of Fred, with fellow horns Gary Winters and Ernie Fields Jr., from the JazzNoJazz Festival in Zurich, Switzerland, where the New JBs crossed paths with old friends Joe Sample and Wayne Henderson of the Crusaders, as well as Blood Sweat and Tears. The festival also featured exciting acts including Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spaulding, Monty Alexander and Christian Scott.

Fred featured on the French radio show Jazzafip

2010-11-03T07:22:00.000-04:00

Fred spent an enjoyable couple of hours in the studio of fip radio in Paris as the featured guest on the show jazzafip, with hosts Vincent Provini and Frederique Roze (Fred for short), on Tuesday, Nov. 2. It was part of two days of promotional activities organized in Paris by crack French PR agent Lionel Aknine of ak9promotion.

Click here to hear the show, made accessible to English-speaking audiences by charming translator Perle Tharinger. Thanks to Perle, special guest trumpeter Loic, as well as Vincent, Fred and the rest of the fip crew.

(In photo, l-r, Lionel Aknine, Fred, Fred, Joya, Vincent, Perle and Loic.)

Austrian Arrows Airlines takes great care of people and cargo!

2010-11-03T07:12:00.000-04:00

After hot second, third and fourth shows in Berlin, Zurich and Innsbruck, Fred's horn had it's own seat and seatbelt during his travel to Paris to promote the new CD, "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Fall tour begins in Cologne, Germany, Oct. 27, 2010

2010-11-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

Fred's tour supporting the European release of his new album, "With A Little Help From My Friends," got off to a great start in Cologne, Germany, at the Stadtgarten on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2010. Funky Family Friend Heinrich Buttler was among the 300 some people who enjoyed the show and took these photos. Thanks, Heinrich!

(That's New JBs trumpeter Gary Winters and saxophonist Ernie Fields Jr. smiling in the background of the third pic, with Cologne-based guitarist Paul Shigihara, who filled in for Reggie Ward on that date, barely visible behind them.)

Much love to the Charleston, SC, jazz community!

2010-10-24T21:59:00.000-04:00

Fred had an awesome time last night performing a hot "Pops" show with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra for a great crowd of more than 700 at the Charleston Music Hall. Congratulations to the orchestra, under the direction of Charlton Singleton, for a job well done! Watch this space for photos soon.

Greetings!

2010-10-22T18:57:00.000-04:00

Trombone legend Fred Wesley is, as one fan put it, "still rockin'!'" Stay tuned to this new blogspace for show dates, photos, news and more.