Von Freeman

Volume two of Steeplechase's Inside Chicago series again features trumpeter Brad Goode in the company of the underrated tenor sax legend Von Freeman. Pianist Joan Hickey, bassist Sherman Davis, and drummer Michael Raynor make up the rhythm section. Recorded over two nights in 1995, this record, like the first, is about old-school blowing. The quintet starts out with a blisteringly fast "Anthropology." At seven and a half minutes, it's the shortest track by far (Hickey doesn't solo). Next is Freeman's slow-and-low "Blues for Sunnyland Slim" (Freeman shouts, "dim the lights, baby!"), followed by rousing renditions of "Oleo," "Caravan," and "Yardbird Suite." The repertoire may be commonplace and even a bit repetitive ("Anthropology" and "Oleo" are both up-tempo rhythm changes in B flat), but the improvisation is often a delight -- not to mention a testament to the continuing vitality of Freeman, one of bebop's original greats. ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide