James Brown/Ray Charles Music Great, Fred Wesley, shoots documentary Shot @ Alabama State University
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on January 29, 2020 Fred Wesley, a jazz trombonist and ASU alum, whose world renowned musical funk with the likes of James Brown and Ray Charles has captured the attention of jazz enthusiasts from around the world. Now, he is the focus of a filmmaker’s new documentary, “Never Just a Sideman.” A film crew from Switzerland was on the ASU campus on Jan. 27, to document Welsley’s (aka “Funky Fred,”) journey from ASU music student to one of America’s greatest jazz funk trombonists. “This documentary is trying to shine the light on sidemen who helped stars become stars,” said Maximilian Speidel, film director, whose company is based in Zuriack, Switzerland. A sideman refers to a musician that accompanies a major artist who relies on his skills to make his performance successful. Along with Wesley, other Funkateers included in the documentary are George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie and Gary “Mudbone” Cooper. “This project started out last year in a small studio in Lichtenstein,” Speidel said. ”We actually flew in all the musicians (to the studio).” Speidel hopes viewers find the documentary informative, as well as entertaining. “I hope viewers’ takeaway from the documentary the need to be aware that if you want to achieve something, we need the people around us,” Speidel said. “It’s not about yourself, it’s always about the team. So I think it’s really important that people look around and be aware of who is with me and who helped me achieve what I have achieved.” WESLEY'S BACKGROUND IS A MUSICAL WHO'S-WHO OF FUNK Wesley was the band director for the legendary king of soul, James Brown; starting in the 1960's and continuing through the ‘70s. He was one of the architects of funk who recently donated his famous black trombone to ASU. He recorded several songs with James Brown, including “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” and he co-wrote the hit song, “Hot Pants.” He also recorded with Count Basie, toured with Ike and Tina Turner and performed with Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Van Morrison and De La Soul. WHILE AT ASU The ASU-schooled musical maestro of funk played in the stage band when he attended the University in 1961. “I think what is so special about Fred is that you could put him in any genre and he would arrange you the best mixer,” Speidel noted. The documentary is scheduled for released in 2021. Written by Media Relations Specialist Hazel Scott. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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