Bruz Freeman

[clifford_thornton]

I was not able to find birth and death dates online for Bruz Freeman (drummer, brother of Von & George). The LPs I have with him as a sideman do not note a birth date either.

Thanks!

[Niko]

most information is here:

Freeman, Bruz, jazz drummer, d. ca. 3/28/2006 in Hawaii at 85. Cadence, v. 32 no. 5, May 2006

http://library.wustl.edu/units/music/necro/2006.html

[clifford_thornton]

Thanks.

[Chuck Nessa]

Can't provide details of his life, but can say, like his brothers he was one positive human. Three nice men from a Chicago cop and devoted wife. Not an easy thing in those days for a Black family in Chicago.

[Larry Kart]

Actually, Art Hoyle told what was in part a Bruz Freeman story in Belgium on Friday night. Art was at a Chicago session in the mid-1950s,in the audience listening to Bruz in top form, and said, to no one in particular, "Can you imagine anyone playing more drums?" As it happened, the legendary Ike Day was seated behind Art, took umbrage, got up on the stand and proceeded to deliver a percussive display that culminated in Day playing figures that began on the drums and continued on the walls of the club.

[clifford_thornton]

  On 5/2/2010 at 10:52 PM, Chuck Nessa said:

Can't provide details of his life, but can say, like his brothers he was one positive human. Three nice men from a Chicago cop and devoted wife. Not an easy thing in those days for a Black family in Chicago.

Well said. I've long thought Bruz was one of the most underrated and tasteful drummers. What a family.