Monday, December 10, 2012

One month, three continents

Fred is home recharging after a busy November took him to San Francisco; to Europe for a tour through Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy; and finally to Japan for a magical collaboration.


The New JBs followed up their appearance at the San Francisco Funk Festival with great tour of Europe that included six dates in France, and one each in Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Big thanks to Véronique PHITOUSSI for sharing these first four photos from France. Click here to hear a radio interview Fred did with Alison Hird of RFI. Also enjoy the family photographs from Europe below them.

Keep scrolling for photos from Japan, courtesy of Osaka Monaurail, the top-notch funk band that pianist Ryo Nakata formed 20 years ago to preserve, celebrate and advance the music created by James Brown's funkiest backing band, with Fred as its leader. Thanks to Hennessy Artistry, which allowed Fred to revisit some of his classic JBs tunes with OM in Tokyo as part of the series, The Art of Blending.

Finally, a photo from Fred's singer cousin Song Byrd, who was able to meet up with him in advance of gigs of her own in Tokyo on Dec. 8 & 9. Thanks, Song!
Fred onstage in France. (photo by Véronique PHITOUSSI.)
Gary onstage in France. (photo by Véronique PHITOUSSI.)
Peter onstage in France. (photo by Véronique PHITOUSSI.)
Phillip (and Reggie) onstage in France. (photo by Véronique PHITOUSSI.)

Family photos from Europe.

The New JBs onstage in France.
The New JBs onstage in France.
The New JBs soundchecking in Milan.
The New JBs onstage at the Blue Note in Milan.
Alison Hird of RFI interviews Fred at the Blues Sur Seine Festival.
A kind thank you from our host Steffi at Kuppel in Basel, Switzerland.
Fred with the trombonist of opening band Malted Milk in Cergy, France.
The New JBs with opening band Oazzunk in France.
Fred conducts a workshop at Blues sur Seine.
The New JBs with opening band The Lehmann Brothers in Angouleme, France.
Dwayne, Bruce and Reggie relaxing backstage at La Nef in Angouleme, France.
The New JBs onstage in France.
Fred signage at L'Observatoire in Cergy, France.
Osaka Monaurail photos from Japan.

Fred and Ryo rehearsing with OM.
Fred and Ryo consult during rehearsal.
Fred onstage with OM.
Fred and OM onstage.
Fred posing with OM.
Fred vibing backstage after the show.
Ryo and Fred (photo by Song Williamson)