FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
from SOUTHPORT RECORDS
www.chicagosound.com

Radio Sponsor
WDCB 90.9 FM
www.WDCB.org

GEORGE FREEMAN
GEORGE THE BOMB!

FRI, APR 26 FROM 6 TO 9PM
CD Release and Listening Party!

"Meet and Greet"
George Freeman will be on hand at the bar to sign CDs!
Live Music from John Devlin!

George The Bomb! drink specials... and
Cornbread!

Listen to the New SOUTHPORT CD "George The Bomb!" all night!
Chicago guitarist and jazz legend George Freeman explodes with his new original songs, tracing his roots back to the blues,
with special guest Billy Branch on harp and vocals!
Drummer-Percussionist Luiz Ewerling and John Devlin on bass & accordion, with Joanie Pallatto-vocals and Sparrow-piano!

George The Bomb! from www.amazon.com

Lange's Lounge - Chicago
3500 N. Southport Ave. Chicago, IL 60657
773-472-6030

90.9fm WDCB Listener-Supported Public Radio
"Chicago’s Home for Jazz!"
www.WDCB.org

Promotions from Blujazz Label and Promotion Service www.blujazz.com

SOUTHPORT RECORDS www.chicagosound.com

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GEORGE FREEMAN – GEORGE THE BOMB!
SPECIAL GUEST – BILLY BRANCH

Chicago guitarist and jazz legend George Freeman explodes with his new original songs, tracing his roots back to the blues, with special guest Billy Branch on harp and vocals.

“You will always have jazz; jazz is not dead—as long as you have kids coming into this world who have rhythm and soul and a feeling.” – George Freeman (Chicago Jazz Magazine, 2015)

Guitarist George Freeman turns up the volume in his Chicago living room as he listens to "George The Bomb!" and he is smiling. He was born April 10, 1927. He remembers a time when Charlie Parker wouldn't go onstage without him. He is one of the few remaining living musicians who recorded with Bird ("An Evening In Chicago" Savoy, 1950). The music of George Freeman is not restricted to swing, blues, bop, rock or modern because George has been a living part of all of these eras.

On track #1, "George The Bomb!" 3-time Grammy nominee and harp master Billy Branch sends out a sound that explodes! His sly way of comping on the title track gets the groove rocking and rolling. The surprise here is when Freeman breaks into a full vocal scat! Is it jazz or is it blues? Who cares, it's hot! On track #3, "Where's The Cornbread?" George and Billy have a fun ride with their vocal conversation... "Hey Billy!" - "Yes, George..." To hear Billy Branch sing the blues on "Help Me", track #5, while showcasing his authentic blues harp alongside Freeman's searing guitar is their breakout culmination!

John Devlin's accordion creates a lush canvas on track #2, "Gorgeous George" -a masterful composition from Freeman. Could this be a new "Steppers" song, with it's smooth groove? Drummer Luiz Ewerling adds the right spice with his percussion.

The entire recording was a joyful collaboration! Pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow opens track #4, "Tonto" with a moody swing groove, while Freeman delivers a strong and happy scat! Track #9, "Home Grown Tomatoes" features a vocal bluesy duet between Freeman and vocalist Joanie Pallatto. Freeman penned track #11, "Al Carter-Bey" for his lifelong friend and radio impresario.

George Freeman is a living legend and has toured and/or recorded with musical legends from Charlie Parker to Lester Young, Johnny Griffin, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Gene Ammons, to Dinah Washington, along with his brothers Von Freeman and Bruz Freeman and his nephew Chico Freeman.

"George The Bomb!" features:  George Freeman, electric guitar and vocals; Billy Branch, harmonica and vocals; John Devlin, 6-string electric bass, accordion and vocals; Luiz Ewerling, drums and percussion; Joanie Pallatto, vocals and Bradley Parker-Sparrow, piano.

All of the tracks are original songs by George Freeman, © 2019 Porkpie Music BMI
(with the exception of "Help Me" (BMI) and "The Music Goes 'Round and Around" (ASCAP).

Produced by Joanie Pallatto & Bradley Parker-Sparrow.
Recorded August - December 2018 at Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio, Chicago, IL
Promotions: Blujazz Records, Lampkin Music Group, Orman Music Media Group

STREET DATE:  APRIL 2, 2019 – SOUTHPORT RECORDS – A NEW RELEASE: S-SSD 0148
1. George The Bomb! (5:47)  2. Gorgeous George (7:20)  3. Where's The Cornbread? (7:22)  4. Tonto (5:57)
5. Help Me (7:29)  6. Uncle Funky (5:20)  7. The Music Goes 'Round and Around (3:42) 
8. Cha Cha Blue (3:43)  9. Home Grown Tomatoes (4:20)  10. Intimate (5:05)  11. Al Carter-Bey (3:14)

SOUTHPORT RECORDS
3501 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657-1435 / 773-281-8510
a division of SPARROW SOUND DESIGN
www.chicagosound.com / southport@chicagosound.com