Arts writer
WORLD renowned jazz funk trombonist, American Fred Wesley, along with his band The New JBs, will enthral audiences for one night only as part of his South African tour here on November 21. Music lovers are in for a unique experience with access to one of the forefathers of funk, who has been sampled by multitudes of artists, such as Janet Jackson and Nas.
Wesley worked with James Brown from 1968 to 1975 as music director and trombonist. The primary composer for Brown’s backing band The JBs, he contributed some of the unique elements that define and make up the enduring musical form that is funk.
This respected composer, arranger, musicologist, author and educator is also a veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra. Wesley has been on the bandstand for over 50 years.
His impressive list of musicians he has worked with includes heavyweights such as Ray Charles, Pancho Sanchez, Van Morrison, Tina Turner, multi-Grammy award nominee Carmen Lundy, Usher and his close friends Pee Wee Ellis, as well as Maceo Parker of Parliament-Funkadelic fame.
The upcoming tour is hosted by The Cape Town Jazz Orchestra, with the Nu Notes as the supporting band. The gig will be at the Baxter Theatre Concert Hall at 8pm featuring Wesley on trombone, Bruce Cox on drums, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, Peter Masden on keys, Reginald Ward on guitar, Gary Winters on trumpet and Phillip Whack on saxophone.
l Tickets: R150. See: youtu.be/Vc7VOtdkoSg