Fred Wesley & The JB’s – Watermelon Man / Alone Again Naturally (Vinyl Review, Funk Classic, Rare Groove)
People records 1972 – PE 617
notes:
Few records capture the raw, rhythmic energy of 70s funk like this
single from Fred Wesley & The JB's. Watermelon Man / Alone Again Naturally
is more than just a cover release—it’s a deep groove reinterpretation that
bridges jazz, soul, and hard funk with unmistakable style.
Originally tied to the legacy of James Brown, The JB’s were one of the
tightest backing bands of the era, and this record is a
perfect example of their precision and musical chemistry.
As the musical director for James Brown, Fred Wesley helped shape
the sound of funk in the late 60s and 70s. His work with The JB’s pushed
instrumental funk forward, blending complex horn arrangements
with stripped-down, hypnotic grooves.
The JB’s weren’t just a backing band—they were innovators. Alongside
musicians like Maceo Parker, they created a sound that would later influence
hip-hop, breakbeat culture, and rare groove collectors worldwide.
Originally composed by Herbie Hancock, Watermelon Man began as a
jazz standard. In the hands of Fred Wesley & The JB’s, it transforms
into a tight, percussive funk workout.
Driven by syncopated drums, sharp horn stabs, and an irresistible bassline,
this version strips away the smooth jazz feel and replaces it with gritty,
dancefloor-ready energy. The groove is relentless—minimalist but powerful.
This is the kind of track that defines the “rare groove” aesthetic: raw,
rhythmic, and built for crate diggers.
credits:
Fred Wesley — trombone, bandleader
James Brown — drums (not just producer)
Likely J.B.’s lineup (period-typical, consistent with 1972 band)
Maceo Parker — alto sax
St. Clair Pinckney — tenor sax
Fred Thomas — bass
John "Jabo" Starks — drums (though replaced here by Brown)
Additional horns / rhythm typical of the J.B.’s unit
Arranged By – Fred Wesley (tracks: B)
Arranged By, Producer – James Brown
Produced by James Brown for People Records
Recorded in New York (1972 sessions for an unreleased jazz/funk LP)
tracklist:
A Watermelon Man 3:25
Written-By – H. Hancock*
B Alone Again (Naturally) 3:55
Written-By – R. O'Sullivan*
James Brown — drums (not just producer)
Likely J.B.’s lineup (period-typical, consistent with 1972 band)
Maceo Parker — alto sax
St. Clair Pinckney — tenor sax
Fred Thomas — bass
John "Jabo" Starks — drums (though replaced here by Brown)
Additional horns / rhythm typical of the J.B.’s unit
Arranged By – Fred Wesley (tracks: B)
Arranged By, Producer – James Brown
Produced by James Brown for People Records
Recorded in New York (1972 sessions for an unreleased jazz/funk LP)
tracklist:
A Watermelon Man 3:25
Written-By – H. Hancock*
B Alone Again (Naturally) 3:55
Written-By – R. O'Sullivan*
