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Fred Thomas of the J.B.’s

@fredthomasofthejbs

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James Brown’s bassist 35 years.
Pass the Peas, Doin it to Death, Hot Pants, Make it Funky
@aguilaramp Artist
Contact: [email protected]

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Hi this is Fred Thomas, original bass player with James Brown and the J.B.’s

I am now offering Subscriptions on Instagram!

Click Subscribe Button and you’re going to get a lot exclusive content.

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My parts and how they were really done for songs like Hot Pants, Pass the Peas, Doing it to Death and more.

Insight on the J.B.’s rhythm section on Clyde, Jabo, Jimmy Nolen, Morgan, Cheese.

And how I apply it to my band to get that authentic sound.

You’ll hear my story starting up in Georgia, early years in Brooklyn and on the road with James Brown.

And my music and band today. Live shows, rehearsals, and in the studio.

There will be Jams with friends and send in YOUR questions.

We’ll be putting a new video once a week and can’t wait to connect with all of you.

See you on the other side.

#fredthomas #fredthomasofthejbs #subscriptions by @fredthomasofthejbs

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2 years ago

“Living in New York City” at @arthurstavern_nyc

Thanks @true_maasai for the footage.

More original songs coming soon. More dates to announce. 🎉🎉

Catch us next at @freddysbrklyn 3.31 9pm.

#fredthomas #fredthomasofthejbs #livinginnyc #livinginnewyorkcity #originalmusic #funk taken in Arthur's Tavern by @fredthomasofthejbs

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4 years ago

Thanks @grahamstrangmusic for the concert footage. You can see more on his YouTube channel (also linked in my bio).

Encore from the James Brown Band in Whistler Summer Series, British Columbia.

Sex Machine!

We had a great time playing for you all! You all knew for a fact.

“In order to get Down you have to Get Up!”

With

Cynthia Moore vocals
Fred Thomas bass, vocals
Tyrone Jefferson trombone, md
Hollie Farris trumpet
Richard Griffin sax
Spike Nealy percussion
Bruce Cox drums
Jimmie Lee Moore guitar
Gabriel Caplan guitar

#sexmachine #whistlersummerseries #whistler #whistlerbritishcolumbia
#fredthomas #fredthomasofthejbs #cynthiamoore #tyronejefferson #holliefarris #richardgriffin #spikenealy #brucecox #jimmieleemoore #gabrielcaplan #jamesbrownband #waldoweathers taken in Whistler, B.C by @fredthomasofthejbs

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4 years ago

🏆 FOR YOUR GRAMMY® CONSIDERATION 🏆

@thegeneralsouls
RISE WHEN FALLEN DOWN

FOR BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM

Check out this incredible collection of music “Rise When Fallen Down”, a funk-filled children’s album inspired by the music, spirit, and legacy of @jamesbrown created to introduce the power of funk and soul to a new generation while inspiring kids to rise, move, sing, think, and believe in themselves.

Created by @gabrielglasscaplan and @djconnectofficial

The album features young musicians from the @jamesbrownacademy of Musik Pupils (JAMP) @jbjampband and is co-produced by Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas @jamesbrowndaughter of the @officialjamesbrownfamilyfdn and @fredthomasofthejbs bringing an authentic connection to the James Brown musical legacy together with a new generation of voices and musicians.

Produced by Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, Jeremy Pholwattana, Gabriel Caplan, and Fred Thomas of The J.B.’s, Rise When Fallen Down features lead vocals from @billy_the_kid07 Fred Thomas, @brandithesinger @saunshine777 and Zaccavion Turk, with background vocals by Gabriel Caplan, Jeremy Pholwattana, Ashley Pholwattana, Madison Pholwattana, Giovanna Pholwattana, Alessia Pholwattana, Cooper Anderson, Emelia Anderson, Julide Anderson, Samantha Johnson, Jada Jenkins, Jadaha Middleton, and Aniyah Sapp.

The musicians bringing the funk to life include Gabriel Caplan, @danhayami @james_keith_jenkins @o_tsuyopon Jadaha Middleton @sokidrums Samantha Johnson, @rainking_sm @kao.ring Jada Jenkins, Lorenzo Robinson, @crmcbridemusic @kao.ring @dubmusiq @kazuyo_iriyama and @stephanie_old_

The album was engineered by @coopss Gabriel Caplan, Jeff Abell of @pulse_recording_studio and Jeremy Pholwattana, mixed and mastered by Cooper Anderson with additional mixers Gabriel Caplan and @kenlewisproducer Additional producers on the album are JAMP Maestro Daniel Sapp Jr. and Kieth Jenkins. @dubmusiq @james_keith_jenkins

To our fellow @recordingacademy voting members, we respectfully ask for your consideration. ❤️🎶

🏆 THE GENERAL SOULS
RISE WHEN FALLEN DOWN
FOR BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM

#fyc #grammys #bestchildrensalbum #thegeneralsouls #risewhenfallendown taken in New York, New York by @fredthomasofthejbs

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14 hours ago

The daughter of the legendary Godfather of Soul, James Brown, Mrs. Deanna Brown Thomas, shares her thoughts on a special tribute to her father’s musical legacy through a funk-filled children’s album 🎶

🏆 FOR YOUR GRAMMY® CONSIDERATION 🏆

@thegeneralsouls
Rise When Fallen Down: A Funk Filled Children’s Album for GRAMMY® Consideration

@jamesbrown Tribute Album created by @gabrielglasscaplan @djconnectofficial @jamesbrowndaughter @officialjamesbrownfamilyfdn @jamesbrownacademy @jbjampband and @fredthomasofthejbs

Thank you for your consideration! ✊🏽 #jamesbrown #fyc #bestchildrensalbum #childrensalbum #grammys taken in The Grammys by @fredthomasofthejbs

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2 days ago

This week at Radegast Hall. No cover. 21+.

Al Street
Manhattan School of Music graduate (1993–97) who served as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Syria, Venezuela, Peru, and Honduras. Performed and recorded with Daptone artists Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, and Charles Bradley, and played the Steely Dan Heavy Rollers tour.

Yusuke Yamamoto & Golden Monkeys
Brooklyn-based Japanese multi-instrumentalist (vibraphone, percussion, flute, keys) who performed on Broadway (FELA!) and more recently with TV On The Radio, and has recorded with Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Golden Monkeys blends world music, jazz, and exotica with joyful, sunny compositions.

Fred Thomas of The JB’s
James Brown’s principal bassist since 1971, appearing on “Hot Pants,” “Get on the Good Foot,” and “Papa Don’t Take No Mess.” A living legend of funk who now leads his own band through NYC venues, delivering JB hits alongside blues and soul classics.

SHARDÉA
New York-based DJ blending house, R&B, hip-hop, and pop into sets built for movement and mood. Known for smooth transitions and an instinctive feel for the crowd, SHARDÉA pulls from the rhythm and culture of her West Coast roots to create dance-floor moments that feel both soulful and electric.

Down North
Born out of NYC’s bluegrass scene, Down North is a progressive outfit who first found each other through local jam sessions and quickly developed a tight, intuitive chemistry. They blend the drive of traditional bluegrass with an evolving original sound.

Graphics by @slideeye.nyc

#brooklynlivemusic #nocover #williamsburg #freelivemusic #funk taken in Radegast Hall & Biergarten by @fredthomasofthejbs

3

0

16 days ago

🏆 FOR YOUR GRAMMY® CONSIDERATION 🏆

@thegeneralsouls
RISE WHEN FALLEN DOWN

FOR BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM

I am incredibly proud to present “Rise When Fallen Down”, a funk-filled children’s album inspired by the music, spirit, and legacy of @jamesbrown created to introduce the power of funk and soul to a new generation while inspiring kids to rise, move, sing, think, and believe in themselves.

Created by @gabrielglasscaplan and @djconnectofficial

The album features young musicians from the @jamesbrownacademy of Musik Pupils (JAMP) @jbjampband and is co-produced by Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas @jamesbrowndaughter of the @officialjamesbrownfamilyfdn and @fredthomasofthejbs bringing an authentic connection to the James Brown musical legacy together with a new generation of voices and musicians.

Produced by Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, Jeremy Pholwattana, Gabriel Caplan, and Fred Thomas of The J.B.’s, Rise When Fallen Down features lead vocals from @billy_the_kid07 Fred Thomas, @brandithesinger @saunshine777 and Zaccavion Turk, with background vocals by Gabriel Caplan, Jeremy Pholwattana, Ashley Pholwattana, Madison Pholwattana, Giovanna Pholwattana, Alessia Pholwattana, Cooper Anderson, Emelia Anderson, Julide Anderson, Samantha Johnson, Jada Jenkins, Jadaha Middleton, and Aniyah Sapp.

The musicians bringing the funk to life include Gabriel Caplan, @danhayami @james_keith_jenkins @o_tsuyopon Jadaha Middleton @sokidrums Samantha Johnson, @rainking_sm @kao.ring Jada Jenkins, Lorenzo Robinson, @crmcbridemusic @kao.ring @dubmusiq @kazuyo_iriyama and @stephanie_old_

The album was engineered by @coopss Gabriel Caplan, Jeff Abell of @pulse_recording_studio and Jeremy Pholwattana, mixed and mastered by Cooper Anderson with additional mixers Gabriel Caplan and @kenlewisproducer Additional producers on the album are JAMP Maestro Daniel Sapp Jr. and Kieth Jenkins. @dubmusiq @james_keith_jenkins

To our fellow @recordingacademy voting members, we respectfully ask for your consideration. ❤️🎶

🏆 THE GENERAL SOULS
RISE WHEN FALLEN DOWN
FOR BEST CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM

#fyc #grammys #bestchildrensalbum #thegeneralsouls #risewhenfallendown taken in The Grammys by @fredthomasofthejbs

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15

a month ago

Happy Labor Day! Hope you’re kicking back, enjoying the fruits of your labor, and taking a little time to appreciate the work we do, the communities we engage in, and the blessing of the leisure time we need to get down.

Special congratulations to @birds_ny Anniversary 🎉🎉

We’ve been playing here once a month for past year and we love it the people and the venue.

#fredthomasofthejbs #fredthomas #birdsnyc taken in Birds music bar by @fredthomasofthejbs

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13

a month ago

@birds_ny is the place to be this Labor Day Weekend!

Sat. Sept 5th w/ shows at 8pm & 10pm.

See link in bio for reservations.

Join @fredthomasofthejbs @jamesbrown bass player over a 35 year era, as he holds down Vocals and Bass in his Quartet.

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Fred Thomas occupies a very special niche in the history R&B. As James Brown’s principal bassist since 1971 (the “Make if Funky” era), 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.

Fred can be heard on hits such as: “Hot Pants”, “Papa Don’t Take No Mess,” “Make it Funky,” “Get on the Good Foot,” “Doing it to Death,” “I’m a Greedy Man,” “I Got Ants in My Pants,” “There it Is,” “Stoned to the Bone,” and instrumental classics like “Pass the Peas” and “Gimme Some More.” His lines heard on songs like Bobby Byrd’s “I Know You Got Soul”, Lyn Collin’s “Think” have been sampled numerous times.

He’s on the seminal “Live at the Apollo Vol. 3 Revolution of the Mind” and can be seen in “Soul Power” (2008) documentary of James Brown’s 1974 concert in Zaire, and in the many James Brown “Soul Train” appearances.

In his band, Fred Thomas is front and center singing, playing bass and tearing into a mix of blues and soul classics and the JB hits he recorded on.

With
@gabrielglasscaplan guitar, keys
@dominic.james.902 guitar
@andybaueris drums

#fredthomasofthejbs #birdsnyc #labordayweekend #labordayweekendnyc #nycnightlife taken in Birds music bar by @fredthomasofthejbs

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a month ago

@fredthomasofthejbs stopped by the studio for a listening session. He’s featured vocalist on our title track Rise When Fallen Down.

The General Souls debut release is this Friday 8.28

#thegeneralsouls #risewhenfallendown #fredthomasofthejbs #fredthomas by @fredthomasofthejbs

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2 months ago

@radegasthall was a blast! 🚀

Here with @ddonthekeys sitting in, Taste Piano!

Mark your be calendar for our next hit there Sept 4th. Friday!

#fredthomas #fredthomasofthejbs taken in Radegast Hall & Biergarten by @fredthomasofthejbs

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2 months ago

No cover. 21+

Tamar Korn & A Kornucopia
NYC jazz vocalist and bandleader whose voice functions as a full instrument — scatting, imitating horns and strings with uncanny precision. Performs regularly at Barbes, Smalls, and the Iridium. A fixture of Brooklyn’s improvised music scene.

Yusuke Yamamoto & Golden Monkeys
Brooklyn-based Japanese multi-instrumentalist (vibraphone, percussion, flute, keys) who performed on Broadway (FELA!) and more recently with TV On The Radio, and has recorded with Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Golden Monkeys blends world music, jazz, and exotica with joyful, sunny compositions.

Fred Thomas of The JB’s
James Brown’s principal bassist since 1971, appearing on “Hot Pants,” “Get on the Good Foot,” and “Papa Don’t Take No Mess.” A living legend of funk who now leads his own band through NYC venues, delivering JB hits alongside blues and soul classics.

SHARDÉA
New York-based DJ blending house, R&B, hip-hop, and pop into sets built for movement and mood. Known for smooth transitions and an instinctive feel for the crowd, SHARDÉA pulls from the rhythm and culture of her West Coast roots to create dance-floor moments that feel both soulful and electric.

Down North
Born out of NYC’s bluegrass scene, Down North is a progressive outfit who first found each other through local jam sessions and quickly developed a tight, intuitive chemistry. They blend the drive of traditional bluegrass with an evolving original sound.

Graphics by @slideeye.nyc

#brooklynlivemusic #nocover #williamsburg #freelivemusic #nycnightlife taken in Radegast Hall & Biergarten by @fredthomasofthejbs

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2

2 months ago