George Freeman

A key figure on the Chicago jazz scene, funky jazz guitarist George Freeman is recognized for his warm tone and blues-influenced soul-jazz style. He gained wide visibility in the 1960s playing with organist Richard "Groove" Holmes. A member of the esteemed Freeman musical family, he also worked extensively with his brother, saxophonist Von Freeman, as well as an impressive array of performers, including Gene Ammons, Jimmy McGriff, and Les McCann. As a leader, he issued a handful of soulful albums in the '70s like Franticdiagnosis and New Improved Funk (featuring Charles Earland) before returning to regular activity in his later years with equally funky jazz albums like 1995's Rebellion and 1999's George Burns! 2001's At Long Last George appeared on Savant, while 2015's All In the Family was co-led by his saxophonist nephew, Chico Freeman. Following 2019's George the Bomb!, the saxophonist, at age 96, released Good Life in 2023.