As the story, goes, in the ’70s James Brown offered his longtime trombonist Fred Wesley a chance to release a jazz album under his own name, The JB’s and Fred Wesley. A variety of musicians spent time in the studio with Wesley and the single “Watermelon Man” was released but the LP was ultimately cancelled.

Now, the complete album has finally seen the light of day via
Hip-oSelect.com. The delayed release includes “Watermelon Man,” which features the J.B.’s and the Godfather of Soul himself (on drums). The rest of The JB’s and Fred Wesley/The Lost Album features ace New York studio musicians: Randy and Michael Brecker, Joe Farrell, Eddie Daniels, Steve Gadd, Ron Carter and many others. The album album includes Brown’s “Get On The Good Foot” to Bill Withers’ “Use Me,” the standard “Secret Love” and several other selections.

Wesley recently reunited with fellow J.B.‘s Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis for show at New York’s Town Hall.