Russell Donald Freeman -- Born in Chicago, 28 May 1926. Died in Las Vegas, 27 June 2002.
He studied classical piano as a child, and during the late 1940s, he played with bop groups on the West Coast. He played with Howard McGhee and Dexter Gordon in 1947, with Art Pepper, Wardell Gray, and Shorty Rogers in the early 1950s, and with Chet Baker in 1954. His lasting association, and deep personal friendship, with Shelly Manne began in 1955, when Manne left Shorty Rogers' Giants. Freeman toured Europe with Benny Goodman in 1959 and with Manne in 1960. In 1962, he formed a music publishing company, Encore Music, which issued a number of his own compositions. From the mid-1960s, he was music director for nightclub acts, and worked in television and in Hollywood, where he played piano on numerous film soundtracks. His television work included "Laugh-In," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," and a number of musical-variety shows. Freeman's piano style was essentially bop with a strong sense of swing. He indicated great respect for the work of Bill Evans and Chick Corea. His most famous composition is "The Wind," recorded by dozens of different musical artists. Mosaic Records recently released a jazz compilation that features Freeman's individual piano artistry, on the CD set, "Pacific Jazz Piano Trios."
He was married three times, and had one child, Paula Kenley Freeman, whose profile can be found on Myspace right here.
From The All Music Guide:
Russ Freeman
Genre: Jazz
Active: '40s - '80s
Instrument: Piano
Biography
Pianist Russ Freeman -- not to be confused with the guitarist/leader of the Rippingtons -- was better known as a sideman than a leader, but he was an important collaborator with both Chet Baker and Shelly Manne, leaving his mark on two of the most celebrated bodies of work in West Coast cool jazz. Classically trained as a child, Freeman began making a name for himself on the West Coast jazz scene in the mid-'40s, playing mostly with bebop-oriented groups. During this period, he worked with Howard McGhee, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, Art Pepper, Shorty Rogers, and Wardell Gray, among others. Freeman joined Chet Baker's new quartet in 1953, and their chemistry was immediate as Freeman proved to be perhaps the most sympathetic accompanist the trumpeter/vocalist ever had; his tasteful, well-formulated original compositions also fit Baker's style well and "The Wind" became something of a standard. Their collaboration spanned 1953-1954 and 1956; in 1955, Freeman began another rewarding association with drummer Shelly Manne, which lasted until 1966. Most of his infrequent sessions as a leader were recorded during the mid-'50s, after which he devoted more time to other aspects of the business: supervising recordings, working with film composers like Johnny Mandel and Manne associate Andre Previn, forming his own publishing company in 1962, and working as a musical director for several nightclubs and TV shows. After leaving Manne's group, Freeman's jazz recordings became fewer and fewer; there were occasional appearances with old West Coast cohorts up until the early '80s, after which Freeman effectively retired. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
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There are recurring themes in life, only the players change. Here I commence on a personal quest of integrative thinking that guides and directs my expanding perspective of the music industry. Connecting with your brilliance and significance in history is invigorating. Therefore, I cannot confine my attention. It’s a honor to be amidst Legends..past, present, and future.
I loved your response to the obituary of Pedro the possum. So if you have cars in heaven, ya might wanna watch out for the possums. It's a good thing you are there and not the "other" place...because as you may recall, possums drive the cars there('59 Edsels exclusively). Isn't Karma wonderful? Say "Hi" to Vince Guaraldi for me.
The goals of Squid Films are making a record, exploring all styles of music, developing an original music style, and making unique perfomances.
Squid Films added Russ Freeman because we appreciate and admire Russ Freeman.
Mr. Freeman,
Just stopping by to show some Love. I hope all is well and your life is full of blessings. I've been busy as I'm sure you have as well. But had to say hello before to much time passes.
Thank You for taking the time to respond.
That is a rare thing these days, so is good music.
Especially hidden behind all this era of techno babel.
But individuals such as yourself keep us in tune with what's real.
....
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