George Freeman - RIP

[John L]

Another great one has left us.   

He somehow never had the recording opportunities that he deserved.  But what he left us is precious. 

[Chuck Nessa]

Agreed.

[clifford_thornton]

Damn, too bad. A fabulous musician indeed.

[JSngry]

One of the all-time greats at fucking up your head before it was all done. When it's gone it's gone.

 

[rostasi]

Caesar Frazier!

[GA Russell]

RIP.

I picked up this Groove Holmes album when it first came out.  Is that Freeman on the cover?

 

[Rabshakeh]

One of the most unique guitar styles out there.

[Hardbopjazz]

He had a long life. RIP George. 

[hopkins]

RIP

 

https://youtu.be/-cpiIm8ztaE

 

Edited Friday at 01:36 PM by hopkins

[rostasi]

  On 4/4/2025 at 1:35 PM, hopkins said:

https://youtu.be/-cpiIm8ztaE

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My Gawd that was good to see!
My 11 or 12 year-old self stopped everything to watch that show (on Tuesday night?)
as well as Chris Albertson's "The Jazz Set" back in those days. I'd record the shows
on cassettes and take them to my "workshop" to play along with them the next day.

Edited Friday at 04:35 PM by rostasi

[hopkins]

If Bessie Smith had reincarnated in 1971, she would have been singing with these guys. Imagine that! 

Edited Friday at 07:36 PM by hopkins

[GA Russell]

  On 4/4/2025 at 1:35 PM, hopkins said:

RIP

 

https://youtu.be/-cpiIm8ztaE

 

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Thanks hopkins!

George's solo there reminds me of Sonny Sharrock of that same period.

[clifford_thornton]

  On 4/4/2025 at 10:46 PM, GA Russell said:

Thanks hopkins!

George's solo there reminds me of Sonny Sharrock of that same period.

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oh for sure. 

[Cootie625]

  On 4/2/2025 at 7:02 AM, GA Russell said:

RIP.

I picked up this Groove Holmes album when it first came out.  Is that Freeman on the cover?

 

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Yes, that is George on the cover. George told me that Groove Holmes bought the guitar that George is holding in the picture for him in NYC. That guitar (a red Gibson ES-335) remained George's favorite guitar to the end of his life.

Edited 11 hours ago by Cootie625

[GA Russell]

  11 hours ago, Cootie625 said:

Yes, that is George on the cover. George told me that Groove Holmes bought the guitar that George is holding in the picture for him in NYC. That guitar (a red Gibson ES-335) remained George's favorite guitar to the end of his life.

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Thanks, Cootie!  Great story!