Fred's wishing all his family of kin, friends and fans a Happy New Year, and starting 2016 strong with his attention focused on raising funds through
Indiegogo for his
tribute to the Blues album. The campaign runs through Jan. 24. Love and many thanks to all who contributed during the first half! Stay tuned for updates.
Jan. 2 found Fred in Minneapolis rehearsing with
Sonny Knight and the Lakers for James Brown tribute shows tonight and tomorrow at the
Dakota Club, also featuring friend and fellow JB alum
John "Jabo" Starks.
From the cold he'll fly to Miami to set sail through the Carribbean on
Jam Cruise 14. Onboard he'll officiate a wedding, play for a yoga class, and have more fun with friends including
Trombone Shorty,
Lettuce,
Dr. John and many more.
After that he'll fly to
Barcelona to begin a 19-day tour of Europe with organist Leonardo Corradi and drummer Tony Match of the
Fred Wesley Generations Trio, a project that began as a tribute to organist
Jimmy Smith (whose music might be featured on the
blues album. Again, stay tuned.). The Generations tour includes shows at the
New Morning in Paris,
the Hideaway in London and the
North Sea Jazz Club in Amsterdam.