von freeman
Saxophone legend Von Freeman passed away last week. I had the pleasure to see him play the New Apartment Lounge on the South Side, and he was just great. The Chicago Tribune has a thoughtful article about his career:
That sound seduced some listeners and puzzled others, but no one could mistake it for anything but that of the great Vonski, as he was affectionately called by friends and admirers. Sharply acidic in the top register of the instrument but full and throaty down below, whinnying and squealing in some passages, whispering tenderly in others, Freeman’s tenor work utterly defied categorization. Every sweet-sour note, every intricately etched phrase, it seemed, was crafted to sound as unexpected and as intensely expressive as possible.
Once, at the Green Mill, upset at all the chatter drowning out the music, he looked up and said, “Keep on talking. It’s ok, I usually play on the South Side.” Von, keep on playing.
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A thought for Thursday morning « Entertaining Research
August 16, 2012 at 2:11 am
so cool that you saw and loved Von Freeman, Fabio. And the New Apartment Lounge–rad! That was so much of the fun of being a grad student in Chicago, right?…and yes, even we from the North Side had a little groove. My then husband Doug Holt and I used to make the trip.
if you’re looking for live music in Denver by the way, at least covers of jazz and blues (for the most part), check out El Chapultapec and Herb’s Lounge. I am bound to be there skipping receptions!
Amy
August 17, 2012 at 12:28 am
Thanks for the tips. Bonus round: Check out Bud Freeman’s autobiography Crazeology for a nice discussion of the jazz around UC and Northwestern in the early 20th century.
fabiorojas
August 17, 2012 at 3:04 am