George Burns

George Freeman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 30, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Southport Records
• ASIN: B00004WFP0
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,348,356 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

The kind of jazz set suggested by George Burns is, sadly, an endangered species. But imagine you could mosey down to your neighborhood bar or coffeehouse almost any night to partake of the funky good spirits generously laid out by veteran Chicago guitarist George Freeman and his friends. A nod to Wes Montgomery, a generous shot of upbeat blues, consistently swinging grooves, talented guests casually sitting in, a willingness to try whatever comes to mind (they get out on "Tee Hee") - everyone leaves a little more perky, loosened up, and mellow than they arrived. It's the milieu that George Benson emerged from long ago, and that the bassist here, Eldee Young, worked in with the original Ramsey Lewis Trio. It's what jazz used to be for and might be again. Freeman, now 71, has just the right touch for such homey pleasures, deploying rhythmically taut, melodically tart figures on his Gibson, offering unpretentiously catchy originals and choice standards, including "Swinging Shepherd Blues" and "Satin Doll." His sidefolk are equally relaxed. They include Freeman's older brother Von (insinuating tenor-sax soloist on "Vonski," of course), self-effacing pianist Lou Gregory, and idiom-perfect drummer Phil Thomas. Producer/labelhead Bradley Parker-Sparrow plays piano on one tune, and project co-producer Joanie Pallatto celebrates Freeman's other brother, drummer "Bruz," with a sweetly hip voice that mixes well with Ron Cooper's gentlemanly baritone. Cooper cries crocodile tears on "And She Left Me" (lyrics by Pallatto) and also raps a chorus in the mode of a doo-wop recitation. George Burns ain't about stretching boundaries or invoking the gods - it's just pretty for the people, which might be hot enough for you.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keepin' it real !, January 11, 2003

By 

Barbara Hartsfield "Avid and devoted Reader" (PASADENA, CALIFORNIA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: George Burns! (Audio CD)

This album is truly a must buy ! The style in which Mr. Freeman 'makes love' to the music is extraordinary. I had the privilige of knowing one of the Freeman brothers, Bruz, for many years and he spoke often of the extraordinary talent of George. He was right. If you buy one album in this New Year ....make it this one. You will not be disappointed ! This is just one of the many contributions by the Freeman's and I have never been disappointed by any of them. I heartily recommend this, and other Freeman contributions to the art of jazz, to each and every person that knows and loves this musical art form.