As musical director of James Brown’s backing band The JB’s from 1970 to 1976, trombonist Fred Wesley helped Brown transition from soul to harder funk. During this period The JB’s released several albums under Wesley’s direction, but this phenomenal 1972 session was shelved shortly after being recorded (though a few singles were issued, including a cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man” with Brown on drums). The Lost Album brings together all the tracks from those sessions, along with six previously unreleased ones, and it serves as a reminder that Wesley was as much a jazzman as a funk pioneer. Wesley’s own composition “Sweet Loneliness” is a touching ballad that shows his range and touch, while his jazzy arrangements of several hits of the day swing mightily (“You’ve Got a Friend,” “Everybody Plays the Fool,” “Back Stabbers”). With appearances by first-rate jazzmen Michael and Randy Brecker, Eddie Daniels, Joe Farrell, Hugh McCracken, Ron Carter, and others, this is a remarkable release that rescues long-forgotten gems from the faults.