Russ Freeman (guitarist)


Russ Freeman is a former smooth jazz guitarist who is the founder and leader of The Rippingtons.
WWW russfreeman.com

Life and career

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Freeman started on guitar when he was ten years old. His first teacher was a session 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 vocalists Engelbert Humperdinck and Anne Murray. He cites George Benson and Larry Carlton as influences.
For one year he attended the California Institute of the Arts. He recorded his first solo album, Nocturnal Playground. In 1985, he founded the band The Rippingtons as an opportunity to record with a variety of musicians. The first version of the band included David Benoit,, Brandon Fields, Kenny G, and Dave 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, and Steve Reid on percussion. In 1994 Freeman reunited with Benoit for The Benoit/Freeman Project. Freeman and his manager, Andi Howard, formed Peak Records in 1994. In 1998 he collaborated with guitarist Craig Chaquico of Starship for the album From 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's Local 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.

Awards

Discography

As leader

Nocturnal Playground Holiday Drive
With The RippingtonsMoonlighting Kilimanjaro Tourist in Paradise Welcome to the St. James' Club Curves Ahead Weekend in Monaco Live in L.A. Sahara Brave New World Black Diamond TopazLife in the Tropics Live Across America Let It Ripp Wild Card Modern Art Côte d'Azur Built to Last Fountain of Youth True Stories Open Road
With David BenoitThe Benoit/Freeman Project

As sideman

With David BenoitFreedom at Midnight Every Step of the Way
With others