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Bud Freeman

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Lawrence Bud Freeman (1906 to 1991) was an American jazz musician, bandleader and composer, best known as a tenor saxophonist, though he also played clarinet. In 1922 he formed the Austin High School Gang in Chicago with school friends. He first played C-melody saxophone, with band members such as Jimmy McPartland and Frank Teschemacher, and two years later switched to tenor saxophone. The group was influenced by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and Louis Armstrong. Freeman and McPartland went to listen to King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band at the Lincoln Gardens.

Music and breakthrough

In 1927 he moved to New York and worked as a studio musician and band member with, among others, Red Nichols, Ben Pollack and Joe Venuti. His solo on Eddie Condon's 1933 recording The Eel gave him his nickname, after his long, snakelike improvisations. He played in Tommy Dorsey's orchestra from 1936 to 1938 and with Benny Goodman in 1938. After the war he led groups of his own and worked with Buck Clayton, Ruby Braff and Jo Jones. In 1960 he wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Beg, Borrow or Steal, with the ballad Zen Is When. In 1974 he moved to England.

Influence

Freeman is one of the first important white tenor saxophonists and brought the Chicago style into the swing era. His searching, flowing tone sounds different from the heavier style of Coleman Hawkins.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to The Eel in the version by Eddie Condon and follow the tenor saxophone. Notice how the long phrases keep running on and hardly ever pause.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists