Russ Freeman

Russ Freeman is a multifaceted American jazz musician, pianist, composer, and producer, whose influential work spans from the 1950s to the contemporary era. Born in 1926, he is best known for his collaboration with legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker, playing a pivotal role in the West Coast jazz movement. His impeccable skill as a pianist is showcased on albums such as "The Chet Baker Quartet with Russ Freeman" and "Quartet," both of which feature his nuanced approach to jazz harmony and improvisation.

By the late 1980s, Freeman had established himself as a contemporary jazz force by founding The Rippingtons, a band that became synonymous with the burgeoning smooth jazz genre. With Freeman as the primary composer and producer, the group found significant commercial success. Albums like "Tourist in Paradise," "Holiday," and "Nocturnal Playground" have become classics within the genre. His collaborations with other artists, including David Benoit, highlighted his versatility and willingness to fuse jazz with other musical styles, a trait that can be heard on projects such as "The Benoit/Freeman Project" and "Benoit/Freeman 2." An adept and inventive musician, Russ Freeman's enduring career continues to inspire jazz enthusiasts and fellow musicians alike.

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Latest Release
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My Blues in the Night 1952-1959
Album - 12 Tracks - Released June 4, 2021
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