Freeman, Von
Premonition, 2004, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 10.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 3
Sound: 3
Score:
O’s Notes: Von has been playing his tenor sax for over sixty years! The Chicago native has been influenced by Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and Charlie Parker and has incorporated elements of each into his own signature. Freeman has a raspy tone, sometimes pushing flatted notes to darken the mood. He remains dexterous at 80 years old and can blaze through notes as well as anyone. His partners are drummer Jimmy Cobb, Richard Wyands on piano and John Webber on bass. They bring together a program that goes from melodic songs like “Blue Pres” to burners like “Never Fear Jazz Is Here”. These are classic players delivering a noteworthy performance.