SoulMusicNews.com: Horn-driven soul, funk & jazz.

Fred Ross is not a late bloomer. He simply took out time in his life to raise his beautiful daughter, Tara.

In the last dozen years or so, Fred has been on fire. He released his first CD, Dignity, on Strokeland Records. More recently, Doc Kupka paired him up with the Strokeland Superband for The Law: According to Fred Ross.

But right now, Fred is tearing it up, all over the world as front man for Pee Wee Ellis‘ African Tribute To James Brown - Still Black & Still Proud. They met about eight years ago, when he received a call to record a gospel standard, I Depend On You, in the studio with Pee Wee.

That single track on Pee Wee’s CD, Ridin’ Mighty High, led Ellis to ask Fred to front a 2001 U.S. Tour, that also featured James Brown alumnus, Fred Wesley. The tour resulting in live CD, Pee Wee Ellis: Live & Funky, with Fred Wesley & Fred Ross. This time around, Pee Wee, again, has both Freds anchoring his JB Tribute.

This YouTube video is from one of the European stops on the tour. The audio is just OK, but it will give you a sense Fred’s 4-octave range and incredible stage presence.

It also carries a comment from their recent U.S stop in New York City: “Fred Ross was awesome at the 8/22/08 performance of the “Still Black & Still Proud” Tour with Pee Wee and Fred. Almost like JB was in the house! Lincoln Center NYC rocked out!”

Fred Ross is, The Cornerstone of Soul.

Andy Ebon
CEO of Soul

Technorati Tags: Dignity, Fred Ross, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Stil Black & Still Proud, Strokeland Records, The Law According To Fred Ross

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