Vonski Speaks

Jazz | Dec 2009

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2010-01-08
VON FREEMAN: Vonski Speaks
Nessa, 2009

BOP – Recorded live at Jazzfest Berlin in 2002, this set finds Chicago sax icon Von Freeman in good humor and fine form, blazing through ten and a half minutes of cyclonic bebop in the title track before settling down for three even longer numbers taken at relaxed tempos. Freeman’s slippery, acrobatic approach and gruff yet creaky tone are on full display in the extended solo spaces: his exuberant loop-de-loops skid and slide with abandon over the cool sound of his quartet. A good document of an underappreciated, unique jazz voice.

* * * * | Fo’s Picks: 2, 4

2. 10:37 – speedy bebop twist: sax can barely keep up with itself; rapid-fire guitar and precise, speed-walking bass

4. 13:00 – ballad: lively intro; then sweet but masculine with acrobatic sax flourishes. Mellow guitar and beautiful bass solo

5. 20:31 – starts slow and heartfelt with a sobbing quality; shifts to upbeat walk; guitar strolls easily, wide-ranging bass, low, rolling drums

6. 11:29 – casually swinging intro, then solid, relaxed blues; sax gets some grease, guitar takes it easy, drums slump and shuffle

[ Fo ] 01/08/10

Recent airplay

Vonski Speaks
Jump, Jive, & JazzSep 23, 2014
Vonski Speaks
Vonski Speaks
No Cover, No MinimumFeb 19, 2010
Darn That Dream
Music CasseroleFeb 13, 2010
Summertime
Memory SelectFeb 05, 2010
Vonski Speaks
Memory SelectJan 29, 2010

Charting

2010-01-10 — 2010-03-14 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Mar 7 1
Feb 21 1
Feb 14 1
Feb 7 1
Jan 31 1

Track listing

1. Von's Greeting
2. Vonski Speaks
3. Von's Intro To...
4. Darn That Dream
5. Summertime
6. Blues For Sunnyland