Chico Freeman (born Earl Lavon Freeman Jr.; July 17, 1949) is a modern jazz musician who plays the tenor saxophone and trumpet. He is the son of jazz saxophonist Von Freeman. Freeman began recording music as a lead artist in 1976 with his album Morning Prayer. In 1979, he received the New York Jazz Award. In 1981, he earned Stereo Review's Record of the Year award for his album The Outside Within.

Early years

He was born in Chicago, Illinois. His father was a jazz saxophone player named Von Freeman. His uncle George Freeman played the guitar, and his uncle Bruz Freeman played the drums. Freeman took piano lessons as a child. His brother Everett found a trumpet in the family basement and introduced Freeman to the instrument. Freeman began playing, inspired by musicians like Miles Davis and his album Kind of Blue.

In 1967, Freeman went to Northwestern University with a scholarship for mathematics. He played the trumpet at the school but did not start playing the saxophone until his junior year. After practicing 8 to 10 hours each day and trying out for the saxophone group, Freeman changed his major to music. He graduated in 1972 and was skilled in playing the saxophone, trumpet, and piano.

After graduating, Freeman taught at a music school called the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians in Chicago. He also started taking classes at Governors State University and earned a master's degree in music composition and theory. Though he grew up listening to jazz, Freeman began playing blues music at this time. He performed at local Chicago clubs with musicians such as Memphis Slim and Lucky Carmichael.

Career

In 1976, Freeman released his first album as lead musician, titled Morning Prayer. The next year, he moved to New York City and expanded his musical influences. The years that followed were the most successful of his career, during which he created albums such as No Time Left, Tradition in Transition, and The Outside Within. The album The Outside Within earned Freeman the Record of the Year award from Stereo Review.

In the late 1970s, Freeman gained recognition as part of a group of musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, who were deeply rooted in jazz traditions. He recorded for independent labels such as India Navigation and Contemporary Records. Freeman’s albums include classic jazz songs and compositions by modern musicians like John Coltrane, as well as original pieces by Freeman and his contemporaries, such as bassist Cecil McBee. The 1981 album Destiny's Dance features Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Hutcherson, and Cecil McBee (who contributed compositions), with Freeman playing tenor saxophone and bass clarinet. Freeman later formed the band Guataca and released the album Oh By the Way… in 2002. He has performed internationally with his band and with artists such as Chaka Khan, Tomasz Stanko, Celia Cruz, and Tito Puente. Members of Guataca include Hilton Ruiz, Ruben Rodriguez, Yoron Israel, and Giovanni Hidalgo.

In 1989, Freeman created an electric band named Brainstorm, which included himself, Delmar Brown (vocals and keyboards), Norman Hedman (percussion), Chris Walker (bassist), and Archie Walker (drums). In 1998, Freeman produced an album for Arthur Blythe titled NightSong. In 1999, he began teaching at New School University.