Schedule
Playing with Music Maker Relief Foundation Revue
Fred Thomas occupies a very special niche in the history R&B. As James Brown’s principal bassist since 1971, he participated in one the most prolific periods in the Godfather of Soul’s incredible career as a member of Brown’s band, the J.B.'s. He can be heard on such hits as “Hot Pants,” “Papa Don’t Take No Mess,” “Make it Funky,” "Get on the Good Foot," "Doin' it to Death," and instrumentals like “Pass the Peas”, “Gimme Some More” and others. He played on seminal albums like "Revolution of the Mind: Recorded Live at the Apollo, Vol. III," and can be seen in many film and tv performances, including "Live in Zaire" and all the Soul Train appearances.
The Music Maker Blues Revue Band is revolving group of Music Maker Foundation artists that combine forces for an extraordinary show. Drawing from a vast repertoire, a Revue Band show is a nonstop unspooling of musical styles from boogie to funk to blues to soul, played by these immensely skilled veteran musicians. Where have they played? All around the world. What do they play? It’s easier to consider what they don’t play. In one seamless transition after another, each musician on the stage takes a turn in the spotlight, sharing riffs and stories, songs and soul. Guitarist and core Revue member Ardie Dean explains that “every Revue show is a cultural event. All of these artists have a story; a place where they come from.” From acoustic blues to deep soul, the range of the Revue is remarkable. Not to mention, straight-up fun.
