George Burns

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
The kind of jazz set suggested by George Burns is, sadly, an endangered species. But imagine you could mosey down to your neighborhood bar or coffeehouse almost any night to partake of the funky good spirits generously laid out by veteran Chicago guitarist George Freeman and his friends. A nod to Wes Montgomery, a generous shot of upbeat blues, consistently swinging grooves, talented guests casually sitting in, a willingness to try whatever comes to mind (they get out on "Tee Hee") - everyone leaves a little more perky, loosened up, and mellow than they arrived. It's the milieu that George Benson emerged from long ago, and that the bassist here, Eldee Young, worked in with the original Ramsey Lewis Trio. It's what jazz used to be for and might be again. Freeman, now 71, has just the right touch for such homey pleasures, deploying rhythmically taut, melodically tart figures on his Gibson, offering unpretentiously catchy originals and choice standards, including "Swinging Shepherd Blues" and "Satin Doll." His sidefolk are equally relaxed. They include Freeman's older brother Von (insinuating tenor-sax soloist on "Vonski," of course), self-effacing pianist Lou Gregory, and idiom-perfect drummer Phil Thomas. Producer/labelhead Bradley Parker-Sparrow plays piano on one tune, and project co-producer Joanie Pallatto celebrates Freeman's other brother, drummer "Bruz," with a sweetly hip voice that mixes well with Ron Cooper's gentlemanly baritone. Cooper cries crocodile tears on "And She Left Me" (lyrics by Pallatto) and also raps a chorus in the mode of a doo-wop recitation. George Burns ain't about stretching boundaries or invoking the gods - it's just pretty for the people, which might be hot enough for you.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Product Description
Southport Records, recording home to both George Freeman and Von Freeman heats up the winter grill with "baby" brother George Freeman's 2nd Southport Release, "George Burns!" In a world where artists strive to fit in and sound the same, George burns the mold. A bold Chicago visionary that shared the stage with Charlie Parker (Savoy), George has continued his individualist approach to life and music. And at age 73, the fire ain't going out.

The new "Burn" CD features more Freeman original compositions with feisty blues-tinged titles like "Hot Box", "Vonski" (featuring Von Freeman on tenor sax), and "Messy." Burn this one-sheet cause nothing else sounds quite like this. For vocal fans, check out the Chicago sensation-- hidden treasure Ron Cooper with the lovelorn r&b/pop groove, "And She Left Me."

George is backed by legendary bassist Eldee Young, with long-time companion Phil Thomas on drums and the one and only Lou Gregory on piano. Along with Cooper, vocalist Joanie Pallatto visits the stage in a tribute to brother Bruz Freeman, "Here's Bruz."

Keep the first-aid kit on hand, because GEORGE BURNS! --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

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