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Twin Cities Jazz With Chicago Soul – Von Freeman |
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Written by Andrea Canter, Contributing Editor
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Saturday, 15 May 2004 |
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Page 2 of 2  Such diverse influences are readily apparent. While often associated with the avant garde, Freeman’s eclectic “tough tenor” is much more soaked in blues and bop. Listening to “Live at the Dakota” (recorded in 1996 but not released for another 5 years) and more recent recordings (e.g., 2002’s “Improvisor”), one readily feels Freeman’s tendency to wander toward the outside, but always remaining well tethered. The live recording features a rousing, elastic rendition of Caravan, which not only provides ample display of Freeman’s far ranging chops but also reminds us how much we miss Bobby Peterson.
Von Freeman's Chicago base may have limited his reputation to some degree, as did his infrequent recordings. As his son Chico became widely known in the 1980s, Von was "rediscovered" and, now in his 80s, is enjoying a somewhat higher profile. Fellow Chicagoan Kurt Elling describes him as “the great squealing rabbi, his enchanted horn broadcasting a benediction straight into people’s now defenseless hearts.” Freeman will cast his spell of enchantment on the Hot Summer Jazz Festival twice, on Saturday June 27th at 9:15 pm on the Mercedes-Benz main stage on Nicollet Mall, and again on Sunday at the McPhail stage at 11:45 AM. Free admission.
More information on the Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz Festival is online at: www.hotsummerjazz.com
Photograph courtesy of Howard Gitelson
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Chicago 
Friday, 09 January 2009
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