Russ Freeman | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | (1960-02-11)February 11, 1960 (age 65) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Smooth jazz,jazz fusion |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, record producer, record label owner |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Drums |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Labels | Peak |
| Website | www |
Russ Freeman (born February 11, 1960) is asmooth jazz guitarist who is the founder and leader ofThe Rippingtons.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee,[1] Freeman started on guitar when he was ten years old. His first teacher was asession musician in Nashville who knew his father. He followed his teacher around Nashville studios and after six years worked in a variety of sessions as a professional guitarist. Two years later, he moved to Los Angeles, where he found work playing for commercials and with vocalistsEngelbert Humperdinck andAnne Murray. He citesGeorge Benson andLarry Carlton as influences.[2]
For one year he attended theCalifornia Institute of the Arts. He recorded his first solo album,Nocturnal Playground. In 1985, he founded the bandThe Rippingtons as an opportunity to record with a variety of musicians.[3] The first version of the band includedDavid Benoit,Gregg Karukas,Brandon Fields,Kenny G, andDave Koz. By 1993, The Rippingtons had solidified into a sextet of Freeman,Jeff Kashiwa on saxophone, Dave Kochanski on keyboards, Kim Stone on bass guitar, Tony Morales on drums, andSteve Reid on percussion. In 1994 Freeman reunited with Benoit forThe Benoit/Freeman Project. Freeman and his manager, Andi Howard, formedPeak Records in 1994. In 1998 he collaborated with guitaristCraig Chaquico ofStarship for the albumFrom the Redwoods to the Rockies.
A record producer and arranger, Freeman also plays bass guitar, keyboards, and drums. His music can be heard during The Weather Channel'sLocal on the 8s segments, and his song "Brave New World" is included in the 2008 compilation album,The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz II.
His wife, Yaredt Leon, has composed music for The Rippingtons' albums.[4][5]
WithThe Rippingtons
WithDavid Benoit
WithDavid Benoit
With others
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| National | |
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