Fred Wesley

Through his ventures as a trombonist, arranger, and composer, Fred Wesley has established himself as one of the preeminent funk musicians. Wesley has performed with artists such as James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Maceo Parker. He has arranged music for groups such as Parliament and Bootsy's Rubber Band, and has led his own groups, including Fred Wesley and the Horny Horns. Wesley has also performed jazz with the Count Basie Orchestra and other groups. Currently, Wesley continues to tour, perform, write, and educate. His most recent CD is Full Circle from Be Bop to Hip Hop. Wesley's new book, Hit Me, Fred: Recollections of a Sideman from Duke University Press, describes the trials and triumphs of a well-seasoned funk musician.

Abraham Inc.: Together We Stand

Read "Together We Stand" reviewed by Chris M. Slawecki

by Chris M. Slawecki
August 7, 2020

"Ever since I formed Klezmer Madness! in the mid 1990's I've been exploring the possibilities of adding funk, jazz, and lately hip-hop influences to klezmer," explains David Krakauer, an expert clarinet voice in jazz, klezmer and classical music. So, when Krakauer learned during a 2005 tour with pianist, accordionist, singer, rapper, composer and producer Josh “Socalled" Dolgin that a friend of a friend was performing with Fred Wesley, the clarinetist determined to meet the trombone player to discuss exploring potential ...

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Album Review

Fred Wesley & The Swing 'N Jazz All-Stars: It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

Read "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" reviewed by Suzanne Lorge

by Suzanne Lorge
August 26, 2006

Charity golf tournaments raise millions--sometimes billions--in the name of giving back. Trombonist Fred Wesley uses a different kind of swing to make his contribution: His recent release as bandleader, It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, benefits The Commission Project (TCP), a nonprofit that supports various music education projects around the U.S. Wesley isn't alone in his humanitarianism; the CD spotlights the unique talents of eight other jazz masters--collectively, The Swing N' Jazz All-Stars--in an assortment ...

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Wide Open Jazz and Beyond

Fred Wesley

by Peter Madsen
May 30, 2006

It ain't easy being a trombone player in today's music world. They seem to have gotten a bad reputation over the years. You know, strange looking instrument, blatty sound, slow and clunky. There's an awful lot of jokes about them out there none of which will be repeated here for I myself love the trombone and have had the fortunate opportunity to have played with some of the greatest trombone players around, from Conrad Herwig to Robin Eubanks, from Dave ...

Performance / Tour

Jazz this week: Cory Henry, The Bosman Twins, Doc Severinsen, Fred Wesley, Linda Presgrave, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
March 10, 2016

It's a busy week for jazz and creative music in St. Louis, with several headliners of interest passing through the metro area for performances that, alas, may be a bit off the beaten track- unless you know just where to look. Let's go to the highlights... Wednesday, March 9 The Lindenwood University Jazz Band performs at Jazz at the Bistro, and multi-intrumentalist Chris Smentkowski and friends play at the Tavern of Fine Arts. Thursday, March 10 Keyboardist Cory Henry of ...
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Festival

Long Beach Funk Fest: Fred Wesley, Zigaboo, Katdelic

Source: JamBase
August 4, 2011

SUMMER AND MUSIC ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR 3RD ANNUAL LONG BEACH FUNK FEST Summer And Music (SAM) has officially announced the line up for its third annual Long Beach Funk Fest (LBFF), which takes place on Saturday, August 20, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Pine Avenue and the Promenade between Broadway and 3rd Street in Downtown Long Beach. This free, all ages event will feature eight memorable funk performances on two solar-powered stages, numerous DJs, as well as ...
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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Fred Wesley

Fred Wesley

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