Fred Thomas of the J.B.'s Band
Gabriel Caplan, guitar, keys, manager
Gabriel joined Fred in 2008 in the backing band for Daptone artist Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens. Fred took Gabriel on as a protege teaching him the distinct styles of Hearlon "Cheese" Martin and Jimmy Nolen.
Gabriel produced Fred's first three singles as a solo artist for Curtis E Records, contributing his original songs, "For a Lick and a Promise" and "Nothing's Gonna Change (My Love for You)". He also tours with Fred in the current James Brown Band.
Kaori Kiki Nakajima, saxophone, congas
Kiki studied music at Tokyo College of Music High School and Tokyo College of Music, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. Her post-college band had a major label debut from Epic Sony. Kiki has toured with Ben E. King, The Stylistics,Three Degrees along with top acts of Japan. Recordings include pop, funk and soul artists and commercial music for film and TV.
Kiki met Fred in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite in the Maceo tradition.
Tyrone Cox, trumpet & featured vocalist
Tyrone is a founding member of Crown Heights Affair, scoring his first hit record with "Super Rod" in 1974. He toured with the Isley Brothers as a member of Road Runners and performed with Ben E. King, Wilson Pickett and Brass Construction. Recording credits under his name and as Tyrone Demmons include Gwen McCrae, Denroy Morgan, Marc Savage, Unlimited Touch.
Tyrone joined Fred in 2013, winning audiences over with his humor, soulful singing and playing.
Andy Bauer, drums
Andy has toured extensively at home and abroad with the critically acclaimed groups Twin Shadow, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed and the True Loves and with Kendra Morris. Late Night Television credits include Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman and Conan.
Writing and recording credits include Czarface, AKUA and KISSEY.
Andy met Fred in 2022 locking down the drum throne in the Jabo Starks tradition. He mixed Fred’s single “Living in New York City” as a member of the Curtis E production team.
Dominic James, guitar
Dominic has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists such as Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Chris Botti and Bill Laswell. He recorded all the guitars and the bass on pop star Shakira’s biggest international hit “Waka Waka” the official song of the 2010 World Cup, He won five Grammy awards with singer Angelique Kidjo and continues to tour the world with her.
Dominic met Fred spring of 2024 and has been integral with his warmth and next-level guitar playing.