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Fred Wesley

2 concerts

Fred Wesley, born in Columbus, Georgia, is famed for leading James Brown's J.B.'s, defining funk's language with bold trombone solos. He worked with Brown, creating hits like "Doin' It to Death," joined Parliament-Funkadelic, and released solo albums. Transitioned to jazz, Wesley played with Count Basie Orchestra, collaborated with Earth, Wind & Fire, and was sampled in hip-hop. He published a memoir, toured as Fred Wesley Group and taught jazz studies in North Carolina.

Bt Alc Big Band

1 concert

Concert Info

Genre: Blues, Jazz

Join the Fred Wesley concert in Portsmouth at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM, featuring Bt Alc Big Band. Get your tickets!

Fred Wesley's Influence on the BT ALC Big Band

Fred Wesley's influence on the BT ALC Big Band runs deep, shaping their sound for over 15 years. His iconic hits, including 'Damn Right I Am Somebody,' have been woven into the band's repertoire, inspiring original compositions that echo Wesley's arrangements and the rich legacy of funk he helped create with James Brown and Parliament Funkadelic.

"Alex and Brian are passionate about their musical heritage... What great arrangements. Musicians of this caliber will make my and James Brown's simple songs last forever." - Fred Wesley

As musicians and arrangers, Alex Lee Clark and Brian Thomas credit Fred Wesley's trombone playing and compositions as foundational to their own work. "Fred is truly one of the funkiest humans to walk the face of the planet," says Thomas, reflecting on the life-changing impact of Wesley's music. This performance promises to honor funk's rich history while pushing it forward with explosive energy and timeless grooves.

Box Office Information

The Box Office at Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, offering both in-person and phone ticket sales. You can purchase tickets by calling 888-603-5299 (ext. 1) or by visiting us at 135 Congress Street in Portsmouth, NH. For online purchases, please visit jimmysoncongress.com. If you buy tickets from any source other than Ticketmaster, please note that you are not purchasing directly from Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club.