Fred Wesley is an intergral part of the foundation of funk. Fact. One third of the legendary JB’s horn section in the 1960s and 70s, the iconic groove-soaked band behind The Godfather of Soul, Mr James Brown. Fred, the pioneering trombone man, singer, songwriter, arranger and band leader is still touring the globe at 82 and has no plans to stop.
James Brown’s musical director has played on a dizzying number of albums in his career; circa 500, including his own bands, sessions for a who’s who of music stars and of course James Brown, and in the second half of the 1970s George Clinton’s various Parliament-Funkadelic projects.
Fred is back in the UK for three nights at Ronnie Scott’s revered club in London at the end of this month [29th, 30th and 31st Jan 2026] with The New JB’s – the powerhouse ensemble that has carried the heartbeat of classic funk and jazz for more than three decades.
Fred has collaborated with an almost endless list of musical icons, such as Ray Charles, Count Basie, Van Morrison, and George Benson. Fred’s influence runs deep through the history of funk, soul and r&b.
Responsible for some of funk’s most enduring anthems, Fred Wesley continues to define the sound of roots funk with irresistible energy and commanding musicianship. Leading The New JB’s with the same fire that fuelled the now-legendary JB’s horns sound alongside Maceo Parker [now 83 and retired since 2020] and the late Pee Wee Ellis [died in 2021 at the age of 80].
His “Track Record” choices below, give a fascinating insight into his amazing career and his musical versatility. Fred’s song choice for the soundtrack to a film about his life, pretty much sums up what UK fans can expect at these three imminent London shows: “Gonna Have A Funky Good Time”. You bet he is!
Fred’s Track Record
1. First song you can recall hearing as a child?
“What A Friend We have In Jesus”.
2. First single you owned?
They were 78s then, not singles. It was Bobby “Blue” Bland “Further On Up The Road”.
3. First LP/album you owned?
“J Is For Jazz” by The J.J. Johnson Quintet [1956].
4. First CD you owned?
“New Friends” my own album [1990[.
5. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download
I had heard that Alanis Morisette had mentioned me on a track on one of her albums and I bought that on CD a few years ago.
6. Which album would you be happy to receive as a gift?
“Concert By The Sea” by Erroll Garner [live album 1955].
7. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
“J Is For Jazz” by The J.J. Johnson Quintet. I rarely bought albums myself after this one. My dad and mum had records I listen to and I was in the trade and people played me records and gave me records, so I didn’t buy many myself.
8. One of the best [or the best] records ever made (can be single/album/EP – and choose more than one if need be)?
Well, the most perfect song that was ever recorded was “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Singers [1972 – Written by Alvertis Isbell aka Al Bell].That was a perfect recording; all the parts fit exactly right with each other.
9. Anything unusual or perhaps unexpected in your music collection?
A recording of “Stardust” by Willie Nelson. [On his album by the same name in 1978 – the song written by Hoagy Carmichael].
10. What does music mean to you and how does it make you feel?
It makes me feel real good. Be bop means everything to me, I get excited about it. Good music when it’s right, It’s like love; everybody’s in love with each other. Specially when there is that groove.
11. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
“Gonna Have A Funky Good Time” by James Brown. When James Brown says “hit it”….that is definitely a mood booster.
12. Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
“Gonna Have A Funky Good Time”. That’s it!
13. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
I like the blues when I drive. But that Edwin Starr track, “25 Miles From Home” is a good one for driving. I love that.
14. Best song or album for a romantic moment?
“Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To say Goodbye)” by Gladys Knight & The Pips.
15. Which song was played for the “First Dance” at your wedding (if you are married) or which song would you choose if you did get married?
“At Last” By Etta James.
16. Your choice of song to sing at karaoke [or which song would you choose if you have yet to do karaoke?]
I really cannot think of one.
17. Which song takes you back to your childhood – and to which specific memory/memories?
Stan Kenton’s “Intermission Riff” was the first one I played in a big band and that takes me back to my childhood, as I was a child when I would play that with my father’s band. That takes me back.
18. Favourite band (or bands)?
Earth, Wind & Fire for production and Kool & the Gang for groove and funkiness.
19. Favourite singer (or singers)?
Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Joe Williams.
20. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
“Be Bop” by Dizzy Gillespie.
Photos x 3 by Steve Thorne [watermarked] / Other pix: PR supplied
Recent Comments