Back from a successful tour with my man Pee Wee Ellis. We were in Japan this tour for four day’s (eight shows at the Cotton Club). We brought the funk from the Bay Area as most of the cats John Mader, Ray Obiedo, Victor Little, Peter Horvath live in and around San Francisco. The only player (besides Pee Wee) not from the Bay Area was Gary Winters on trumpet, tearing it up as usual, Gary is from Hanover, by way of Cincinnati. The Cotton Club was very attentive and gracious, the audiences were fun and Pee Wee made them very much part of the show. It was my first trip to Japan, and I hope we get a chance to return soon. Thanks to the Cotton Club and their entire staff, the Blue Note organization , Pee Wee ,Charlotte, and the Funky Bay Area cats. Big fun ,great laughs , And crazy jazzy, funky music.
Peace,
Fred Ross