George Freeman - George The Bomb!

[mjzee]

Release date April 2.

George Freeman George The Bomb! 
Special Guest - Billy Branch 
2019 Southport Records

Chicago guitarist and jazz legend George Freeman explodes with his new original songs, tracing his roots back to the blues, with special guest three time Grammy nominee Billy Branch on harp and vocals. 

"You will always have jazz; jazz is not dead-as long as you have kids coming into this world who have rhythm and soul and a feeling." - George Freeman (Chicago Jazz Magazine, 2015)

Guitarist George Freeman turns up the volume in his Chicago living room as he listens to "George The Bomb!" and he is smiling. He was born April 10, 1927. He remembers a time when Charlie Parker wouldn't go onstage without him. He is one of the few remaining living musicians who recorded with Bird ("An Evening In Chicago" Savoy, 1950). The music of George Freeman is not restricted to swing, blues, bop, rock or modern because George has been a living part of all of these eras. 

On track #1, "George The Bomb!" three time Grammy nominee and harp master Billy Branch sends out a sound that explodes! His sly way of comping on the title track gets the groove rocking and rolling. The surprise here is when Freeman breaks into a full vocal scat! Is it jazz or is it blues? Who cares, it's hot! On track #3, "Where's The Cornbread?" George and Billy have a fun ride with their vocal conversation... "Hey Billy!" - "Yes, George..." To hear Billy Branch sing the blues on "Help Me", track #5, while showcasing his authentic blues harp alongside Freeman's searing guitar is their breakout culmination! 

John Devlin's accordion creates a lush canvas on track #2, "Gorgeous George" - a masterful composition from Freeman. Could this be a new "Steppers" song, with it's smooth groove? Drummer Luiz Ewerlingadds the right spice with his percussion. 

The entire recording was a joyful collaboration! Pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow opens track #4, "Tonto" with a moody swing groove, while Freeman delivers a strong and happy scat! Track #9, "Home Grown Tomatoes" features a vocal bluesy duet between Freeman and vocalist Joanie Pallatto. Freeman penned track #11, "Al Carter-Bey" for his lifelong friend and radio impresario. 

George Freeman is a living legend and has toured and/or recorded with musical legends from Charlie Parker to Lester Young, Johnny Griffin, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Gene Ammons, to Dinah Washington, along with his brothers Von Freeman and Bruz Freeman and his nephew Chico Freeman. 

"George The Bomb!" features: George Freeman, electric guitar and vocals; Billy Branch, harmonica and vocals; John Devlin, 6-string electric bass, accordion and vocals; Luiz Ewerling, drums and percussion; Joanie Pallatto, vocals and Bradley Parker-Sparrow, piano. 

Produced by Joanie Pallatto & Bradley Parker-Sparrow 
Recorded August - December 2018 at Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio, Chicago, IL 
Promotions: Blujazz Records, Lampkin Music Group, Orman Music Media Group 
George The Bomb! © 2019 Southport Records S-SSD 0148 
ALL SONGS © 2019 SSD PUB CO. ASCAP