George Freeman (guitarist)
George Freeman is an American jazz guitarist from Chicago. His brothers Von Freeman and Eldridge Freeman had jazz careers, as does his nephew, Chico Freeman.
Freeman's career began in the 1940s with trumpeter Joe Morris, followed by Tom Archia. He worked as a sideman for Lester Young and Charlie Parker when they came through town, and he recorded with Parker. Beginning in the 1950s he worked often with organist Richard "Groove" Holmes. After jobs with Gene Ammons and Shirley Scott, Freeman quit touring and spent most of his time in Chicago. He recorded his first album, Birth Sign with Sonny Burke and Robert Pierce.
He has worked often with his brother, saxophonist Von Freeman, in addition to Kenny Barron, Maurice Brown, Bob Cranshaw, Sonny Criss, Deep Blue Organ Trio, Kurt Elling, Johnny Griffin, Red Holloway, Illinois Jacquet, Harold Mabern, Rene Marie, Les McCann, Jimmy McGriff, Sonny Stitt, Ben Webster, Buddy Williams, Eldee Young, and John Young.
In 2017, Freeman recorded an album with guitarist Mike Allemana.
In 2005, 90 Going On Amazing was recorded and produced by Sirus XM Jazz Director Mark Ruffin and released by Blujazz in August 2017.Discography
- Birth Sign
- Introducing George Freeman Live with Charlie Earland Sitting In -with Charles Earland
- Franticdiagnosis -with Charles Earland
- New Improved Funk
- Man & Woman
- All in the Game
- Rebellion
- George Burns!
- At Long Last George
- 90 Going On Amazing
- All in the Family -with Chico Freeman
As sideman
With Gene Ammons
With Johnny Griffin
With Richard "Groove" Holmes
- "Groove" -with Les McCann, Ben Webster
- Tell It Like It Tis
- The Groover!
- Welcome Home
With Jimmy McGriff
With others'
Fly Mister Fly, Johnny Griffin with the Joe Morris Orchestra 1991 Loot to Boot, Illinois Jacquet -with Jimmy McGriff, Kenny Barron, Buddy Rich 2001 The Chronological Tom Archia 1947–1948, Tom Archia 2001 Charlie Parker in Chicago: Live at the Pershing Hotel, Charlie Parker 2003 The Chronological Joe Morris 1946–1949, Joe Morris 2003 Canned Beer, Bradley Parker & Joanie Pallatto 2008 Go Red Go!'', Red Holloway