No more “Pass the Peas” for Maceo Parker as he sets to retire from touring at the age of 79. 

Parker first broke out on the jazz and funk scene as the saxophonist for James Brown in the 60s and 70s. In the mid-70s Parker joined up with George Clinton’s band Parliament-Funkadelic. He has also added his funk to an array of other artists including, De la Soul, Deee-Lite, Jane’s Addiction and most notably, Prince.

Originally scheduled to take the stage at Jazz Alley next month, Parker’s stand has been cancelled. But, not to worry. Jazz Alley has scheduled Fred Wesley and The New JB’s to scratch any funky itch you may have.

Wesley, who just celebrated his 79th birthday this July 4th, played trombone with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic during the same time span as Parker. 

At one point in the 90s, Wesley played trombone in what was to become the Maceo Parker Band. In 1996 he stepped out on his own and started his own group, Fred Wesley and the New JBs.

Wesley rolls through Jazz Alley August 18-21. Sets start at 7:30 pm, with additional 9:30 pm slots on Friday and Saturday.

Here’s a look ahead at Jazz Alley where there is no shortage of blues, funk and straight ahead jazz.

Jazz Alley Line-up for July and August

Sara Gazarek
July 5 – 6

Nearly Dan
July 7 – 10

Janiva Magness
Album Release Celebration
July 12 – 13

Spanish Harlem Orchestra
July 14 – 17

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul featuring Tommy Bowes (former lead singer for TOP)
July 19 – 20

Rick Braun & Richard Elliot
R&R
July 21 – 24

Amy Helm
July 25 – 26

Confunkshun
July 27 – 31

Marcia Ball
August 2 – 3

Blood Sweat & Tears
August 4 – 7

Otis Taylor
August 9 – 10

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
August 11 – 14

Isaiah Sharkey
August 16 – 17 

Fred Wesley and The New JB’s
August 18 – 21

John Pizzarelli Trio
August 23 – 24

Keiko Matsui
August 25 – 28

Jane Monheit
August 30 – 31