(Fred Wesley. Pic by Alex Hincliffe)
After a sold-out performance in 2014, world-renowned
American trombonist Fred Wesley, along with his band the New JBs, returns to
South Africa and will perform in Durban on November 25 at the Bat Centre.
Audiences are in for a unique experience with one of the
forefathers of funk who has been sampled by multitudes of artists including
Janet Jackson and Nas.
Fred Wesley worked with James Brown from 1968 to 1975 as
music director and trombonist. The primary composer for Brown's backing band,
the JBs, Wesley contributed the unique elements that define and make up the
enduring musical form that is funk. This respected composer, arranger,
musicologist, author and educator is a veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra. The
impressive list of musicians he has worked with includes heavyweights such as
Ray Charles, Pancho Sanchez, Van Morrison, Usher and his close friends Pee Wee
Ellis and Maceo Parker.
Fred Wesley and the New JBs' South Africa tour is hosted by
the Cape Town Jazz Orchestra, with the Nu Notes as the supporting band.
The Durban concert takes place on November 25 at the Sipho
Gumede Hall (Bat Hall) at the Bat Centre. Tickets R150. The BAT Centre Trust is
situated at 45 Maritime Place in the Small Craft Harbour in Durban. For more
information contact 031 332 0451 or visit http://www.batcentre.co.za
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