Fred Wesley in Haarlem

Fred Wesley is an American trombonist, composer and bandleader, born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1943. He is best known for his work as James Brown’s musical director and arranger, and as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic. His trombone and arrangements feature on “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” and “Mother Popcorn,” while his work with the J.B.’s includes “Pass the Peas” and the album Damn Right I Am Somebody. At the Olympia in Paris in 1971, Fred Wesley directed James Brown’s band for the concert later released as Love Power Peace. He subsequently toured with Parliament-Funkadelic and performed in the Count Basie Orchestra, then reunited with Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis in the JB Horns during the 1990s. He later returned to touring as leader of Fred Wesley and the New JBs, presenting Brown-era material alongside his own jazz-funk compositions. In London, Fred Wesley and the New JBs have played the jazz club Ronnie Scott’s. In Rotterdam, they have performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival.