VON FREEMAN (b.1922)

3,

-FROM: ALL ABOUT MUSIC

1922

Influential elder (born October 3, 1922 Earl Lavon Freeman) jazz tenor saxophonist originally became known for his work with the Horace Henderson Group during the Late 1940s, and Sun Ra's band in the early '50s. During that period, he also played with his musical brothers, drummer Bruz (Eldrige) Freeman and guitarist George Freeman, (with pianists including Ahmad Jamal, Andrew Hill, and Muhal Richard Abrams). Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich says, "...For technical brilliance, musical intellect, harmonic sophistication and improvisatory freedom, Von Freeman has few bebop-era peers."

The Chicago Reader's Monica Kendrick adds "He changes everything he touches, mostly for the better, with his swaggering tenor tenderness."

Along with his contemporaries Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, and Clifford -- the founder of the "Chicago School" of tenor players which adapted the work of Lester Young and Ben Webster, and influenced a number of players including Johnny Griffin & Clifford Jordan. To round out the musical family, the saxophonist's son Chico Freeman is also a well-known jazzman.

In the early 1960s, Freeman toured with Milt Trenier and, despite reasonably regular appearances in New York and Europe, the 75-year-old Freeman has remained to this day in Chicago, where you can see him almost weekly at clubs like Andy's, and has been the host of legendary jam sessions, like his Tuesday events at the New Apartment Lounge. You can catch him with the likes of John Young, Jodie Christian, Mike Raynor, Bettye Reynolds, Kurt Elling, and the rest of his musical family. His 75th birthday was celebrated with a headlining slot at the 1997 Chicago Jazz Festival. He joined one of the city's youngest tenor stars, Frank Catalano, in an afternoon set at the 1999 Fest.

KMHD wall board.

Exit I-5 at Broadway Rose Quarter. Look to the right.

A few albums we heard from today.

Paul Chambers and his "Chamber Mates"

Paul Chambers (b.1935) life's arc intersected with many other great talents in the 50s and 60s. This confluence is considered Hard Bop. Listen at 11:28am as "Chamber Mates", guitarist Kenny Burrell, pianist Hank Jones, drummer Art Taylor tell a story with bassist Paul Chambers (d.1969). -Shawn Kirkeby



One of the top bassists of 1955-1965, Paul Chambers was among the first in jazz to take creative bowed solos (other than Slam Stewart, who hummed along with his bowing). He grew up in Detroit, where he was part of the fertile local jazz scene. After touring with Paul Quinichette, Chambers went to New York, where he played with the J.J. Johnson-Kai Winding quintet and George Wallington. He spent the bulk of his prime years (1955-1963) as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, participating in virtually all of Davis' classic recordings of the era. When he left, "Mr. P.C." (as John Coltrane called him in one of his originals) worked with the Wynton Kelly Trio (1963-1966) and freelanced until his death. Chambers, a consistently inspired accompanist who was an excellent soloist, made many recordings during his brief period, including some with Sonny Rollins, Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Donald Byrd, Bud Powell, and Freddie Hubbard, in addition to a few as a leader. -Allmusic.com -Scott Yanow

ROY HAYNES and his "SIDEMEN". Chick Corea. 9/17/10. Portland, Oregon

Roy Haynes drums (b.1925), on stage with Chick Corea keyboard (b.1941), Christian McBride bass (b.1972), Kenny Garrett sax (b.1960), THE FREEDOM BAND, takes the mic at the end of the show, after his vigorous drum solo and says, "Chick". I recorded more of Roy Haynes feelings. I have also seen another video on YouTube capturing Chick Corea introducing a song (with no title :) by pianist and composer Bud Powell. See them at http://hardchoicesblog.blogspot.com/ What a GREAT show on many levels. Thanks -Shawn Kirkeby