Bud Freeman Albums (9)
'Jazz Meeting in Holland'
Release Date 1/1/2003
Tracks 15
Label Circle
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What The Critics Say
Jimmy McPartland jumped at the chance to record with Bud Freeman for this 1975 session featuring them as the guest soloists with drummer Ted Easton's Jazzband. Recorded in Holland, the two old pals from the Austin High School Gang in Chicago had a ball and delved into old chestnuts from the first half of the century, having lost none of their abilities on their respective instruments. McPartland's loping "Third Street Blues" features the tenor saxophonist and cornetist in turn, offering rich, understated solos. Freeman's "That D-Minor Thing" sounds like classic jazz, but this riff blues actually dates from 1969; soprano saxophonist Fritz Kaatee precedes the composer with an adventurous solo. In addition to cornet, McPartland adds friendly vocals to several numbers, with "St. James Infirmary Blues" especially being a standout track. This CD also compiles tracks from a second LP first issued by Easton on his Riff label, though McPartland is not present on this date. Sadly, these two giants of jazz both died in 1991, just two days apart. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Something to Remember You By'
Release Date 1/1/1991
Tracks 17
Label Black Lion
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What The Critics Say
This CD reissue is a perfect place for listeners to start exploring the warm tenor sound of Bud Freeman. A distinctive player whose style straddles the boundary between swing and Dixieland, Freeman is heard here in a quartet also including pianist Dave Frishberg (years before he became famous as a composer/vocalist), bassist Bob Haggart and drummer Don Lamond. Freeman (55 at the time) is heard at the peak of his powers on a dozen standards (some of which are rarely played), plus five alternate takes. Highlights include "You're a Sweetheart," "Chicago," "It's Only a Paper Moon" and "Somebody Stole My Gal." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'The All Stars with Shorty Baker'
Release Date 1/1/1990
Tracks 8
Label Fantasy/OJC
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What The Critics Say
Tenor-sax great Bud Freeman, who is often associated with the Eddie Condon school of Nicksieland, is heard heading an excellent swing quintet for this 1960 studio session. Trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker (best known for his periods with Duke Ellington) made too few small-group recordings throughout his life so this is one of his best. With the often-overlooked but virtuosic stride pianist Claude Hopkins heard in the rhythm section along with bassist George Duvivier and drummer J.C. Heard, the group plays superior standards and a couple of originals on this fine swing date. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
By the time of this previously unreleased 1982 concert (put out on CD in 1997), tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman was 75 and had been playing at a major-league level for over 55 years, but there was nothing tired about his timeless style. Freeman, who happened to be in Los Angeles, was invited to a concert put on by the Poor Angel Hot Jazz Society and agreed to appear on a few numbers. However, he was so impressed by the band that during the first song he quickly put his horn together and played throughout the entire performance. Freeman was joined by trumpeter Dick Cathcart, trombonist Betty O'Hara (doubling on double-belled euphonium), clarinetist Bob Reitmeier, the great swing pianist Ray Sherman, guitarist Howard Alden (just 23 at the time), bassist Phil Stephens, and drummer Nick Fatool. The repertoire on this CD consists of eight familiar standards, but the interpretations are full of inspiration and joy. On some tunes, Alden, already a masterful player, weaves lines around Freeman, and there are a few individual features for the tenorman (most notably a rollicking "Tea for Two" and a double-time rendition of "Body and Soul"). The group numbers are all enjoyable and full of high spirits, particularly "Struttin' With Some Barbecue" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." Highly recommended to Dixieland and straight-ahead fans. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Bud Freeman All Stars'
Release Date 1/1/1982
Tracks 12
Label Sounds of Yesteryear
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'Something Tender'
Release Date 1/1/1963
Tracks 12
Label United Artists
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What The Critics Say
One of two unusual sessions featuring tenor saxophonist Bud Freeman with guitarists George Barnes and Carl Kress, this studio date for United Artists was recorded a year after a live performance in 1962, but it was issued decades sooner. Regardless whether the trio is playing a standard, a classic jazz composition or an original of their own, they swing effortlessly together, with Freeman typically leading the way and a guitar solo to follow. The lively unison line between the tenor sax and the lead guitar combine to sound somewhat like an accordion in the lively opener, "The Eel's Nephew." Other highlight include "Doctor Paycer's Dilemma" (evidently composed at the session) and a perky take of Rodgers & Hart's "Mountain Greenery." Sadly, the liner notes don't indicate which of the two guitarists is soloing on a track by track basis, but in the end, it doesn't really matter. All three musicians have been unjustly overlooked since their respective deaths, but this long unavailable LP is worth pursuing by serious jazz collectors. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
