Wesley Bright & The Hi-Lites began as a joint collaboration between Bob Basone and Nick Fritsch. The two came to know each other after touring together in other projects, and both shared a passion for the soul sounds of the 1960’s and early 1970’s, mainly the sweet Detroit soul sounds of the Motown label. Wesley was working in sales when Fritsch discovered his raw talent and passion for true soul music, and the two became close friends and musical partners. After years of playing in various projects, Basone, Fritsch and Wesley decided to finally put together a happening group of talented musicians that could produce the raw yet warm soul sounds of yesteryear, while having something new to add to the timeless genre. Wesley Bright & The Hi-Lites formed in the heart of Akron, Ohio with the interest of being a part of the soul music revival happening in places like Brooklyn, NY. Specifically, the band identifies with the Northern Soul genre, drawing from the 1960’s era of soul from Motown, Tamla, and various smaller record companies. Wesley Bright & The Hi-Lites seeks to recreate the Northern Soul dance craze from earlier decades of the U.K. and elsewhere.