On July 13, 2022, the “Jazz in Vienna” festival ended on the funk accents of a master of groove, the illustrious trombonist Fred Wesley. Former partner of James Brown, of whom he was the musical director until the mid-1970s, this formidable instrumentalist, composer and conductor, is also a renowned teacher who likes to transmit his knowledge, his passion and his enthusiasm, to budding young musicians. Our microphones followed him into the intimacy of a studio to capture this moment during which an apprentice becomes a virtuoso.
Born on July 4, 1943 in Columbus, Georgia, Fred Wesley long regretted not having mastered the art of jazz. His association with the “Godfather of Soul” diverted him from the swing of his contemporaries. He would have liked so much to interpret to perfection Giant Steps by John Coltrane, but his young years will be guided by the cadenced refrains of “Mr Dynamite”. It was only at age 35 that Fred Wesley finally seized the opportunity to play in an internationally renowned Big Band. Pianist and bandleader Count Basie is looking for a trombonist for his gleaming horn section. It will appeal to the most fiery of all. Fred Wesley will long remember this very enriching experience which taught him rigor and precision within a large formation.
It is however in the universe of funk that his name will sparkle. If he willingly admits always feeling a jazz thrill every time he goes on stage, he likes to recall that fate has nevertheless allowed him to be perceived as the best trombonist of “L’Épopée des Musiques Noires”. . Fred Wesley not only spent 15 years alongside James Brown, but he also shared the stage and experienced epic studio sessions with countless personalities including George Benson, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Natalie Cole, Marcus Miller , Oumou Sangaré, Bobby Womack, Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Randy Crawford, among others… without forgetting his companions, Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis, with whom he had formed the famous JB Horns.
Over the years, Fred Wesley has continued on his way by collaborating, here and there, with the stars of the moment, by multiplying the services in the company of his “New JB’s” or by giving masterclasses to young talents in the making. He realizes that his experience can certainly arouse vocations. So, he bends with good grace to the solicitations and requests of his admirers. Whether it appears before the 7,000 spectators of the Théâtre antique de Vienne or around twenty students in a Parisian studio, the intention is the same: to inspire desire, to maintain the flame, to encourage initiatives, to preserve heritage. At 79 years old, Fred Wesley fulfills his role as a patriarch whose words and journey should serve as an example for future generations.