Legendary Chicago jazz guitarist George Freeman has been honing his dynamic, explosive style since the 1940s, working with dozens of the genre’s hall of famers, including Charlie Parker, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Gene Ammons, Jimmy McGriff, Buddy Rich, Shirley Scott, and his brothers Von and Bruz Freeman. On Sunday, April 10, Freeman turns 95, and to mark […]
Tag: George Freeman
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The Reader’s guide to the 2019 Chicago Jazz Festival
This year’s lineup details a sprawling cross section of the genre, including world-changing explorers the Art Ensemble of Chicago, trad band the Fat Babies, venerable guitarist George Freeman, and restless experimenter Rob Mazurek.
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Two Chicago institutions bridge jazz and blues
Guitarist George Freeman and harmonica player Billy Branch demonstrate the common roots of the sounds they love.
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Sabertooth celebrate 25 years of nocturnal renditions
The Jazz Festival honors organ quartet Sabertooth for 25 years of midnight Green Mill gigs with a Pritzker Pavilion set in broad daylight.
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The jazz doesn’t stop when the park goes dark
This year’s Jazz Festival aftershows include Mako Sica with Hamid Drake, Dee Alexander performing Nina Simone, and the traditional engagements by Ira Sullivan and Edward “Kidd” Jordan.
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Seven portraits of the Chicago Jazz Festival
The compelling characters at this year’s Jazz Festival include avant-garde elder Roscoe Mitchell, indefatigable experimenter Mary Halvorson, and defiantly joyful South African survivor Louis Moholo-Moholo.
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Veteran jazz guitarist George Freeman sounds more vital than ever in his new organ quartet
One of the great stories in Chicago jazz over the past few years has been the resurgence of guitarist George Freeman, a key figure in one of the city’s most celebrated jazz families. He’s now outlived his brothers Von (a brilliant saxophonist) and Bruz (a drummer), and at age 90 Freeman is about to drop […]
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The life of John Wright, the Chicago jazz pianist they call “South Side Soul”
John Wright has lost three wives and his eyesight, but he still has his deep groove, generous spirit, and countless friends, family, and fans.
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Aftershows: 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival
2013 Chicago Jazz Festival aftershows: Kidd Jordan, the Rempis Percussion Quartet, and other late-night diversions
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Thursday and Friday: 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival according to Reader writers
Jack DeJohnette and Wadada Leo Smith are just two of the highlights of the first two days of the 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival.
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Guitarist Mike Allemana gets behind another of the Freeman brothers
Longtime Von Freeman sideman Mike Allemana starts a new project with George Freeman.
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Outsider musicians, an unsung soul-jazz genius, and a cool T-shirt on the B Side
David Liebe Hart, crusty black metal, and a nice Bulls/Rick Ross mashup
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The Secret History of Chicago Music: George Freeman
Though guitarist George Freeman has been overshadowed by saxophonist brother Von, he’s still a soul-jazz genius
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Monday: celebrating Von Freeman
On Monday the Jazz Showcase hosts a tribute to the late Von Freeman that features his band from the New Apartment Lounge
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Three Beats: George Freeman reflects on seven decades in jazz
Plus: The Slayer magazine book comes to Chicago, and Cloud Mouth plays a round robin