FRED WESLEY

Fred Wesley (born July 4, 1943, Mobile, Alabama) is one of the most influential trombonists, arrangers, and musical directors in the history of funk and soul music. His powerful, rhythm-driven trombone style became a defining element of the sound that shaped modern funk.

Wesley rose to international prominence as the longtime musical director and chief arranger for James Brown, playing a pivotal role in creating some of the most important recordings in the history of Black American music. As a core architect of The JBs, James Brown’s legendary backing band, he later went on to lead the group in its evolved form as The New JBs.

Beyond his work with James Brown, Fred Wesley maintained a deep and enduring collaboration with George Clinton, performing and recording with the Parliament-Funkadelic collective as well as Bootsy Collins’ Rubber Band. His musical signature combines raw funk energy, tight groove discipline, and jazz-informed harmonic precision.

As a bandleader, Wesley released several critically acclaimed albums, including A Blow for Me, a Toot to You, House Party, and To Someone, establishing himself not only as a legendary sideman but also as a visionary artist in his own right.

Fred Wesley and the New JBs – Live in Belgrade captures a rare and electrifying encounter between one of funk’s founding figures and the Belgrade audience. Recorded live, the album stands as an authentic, high-energy document of funk music’s timeless power and global reach