Eldridge Freeman (August 11, 1921 – 2006), also known as "Buzz" Freeman or "Bruz" Freeman, was an American jazz drummer.

Biography

Born in Chicago, with his brothers, guitarist George Freeman and tenor saxophonist Von Freeman, he played for several years in the house band at the Pershing Hotel. He was also the uncle of Chico Freeman, the son of Von Freeman.

Bruz Freeman

In 1950, he was a member of John Young's trio with LeRoy Jackson on bass, and recorded with Young's orchestra backing vocalist Lurlean Hunter.

Bruz Freeman

In the mid-1950s, he was a member of the Hampton Hawes Quartet, with Red Mitchell and Jim Hall, and with line-ups led by Herb Geller. In 1950, with his brothers George and Von (originally misidentified as Claude McLin), LeRoy Jackson, and Chris Anderson, he played with Charlie Parker shortly before his death, at a jam session recorded at Bird's apartment which was released in 1960 by Savoy.

Bruz Freeman

In 1977-8, he joined a short-lived band based in California, led by Kenny Mann and with Britt Woodman on trombone.

Discography

As sideman

1955: Herb Geller Plays – Herb Geller (EmArcy MG-36045) 1956 All Night Session! Vol. 1, All Night Session! Vol. 2, All Night Session! Vol. 3 - Hampton Hawes (Contemporary) 1957: Gal with a Horn – Clora Bryant (Mode Records Mod-LP-106) 1960: An Evening At Home With The Bird – Charlie Parker (Savoy Records MG-12152) 1969: Head Start – Bob Thiele Emergency (Flying Dutchman FDS-104) 1969: Flight for Four – John Carter & Bobby Bradford Quartet (Flying Dutchman FDS 108) 1969: Seeking – John Carter & Bobby Bradford 1970: Self Determination Music − John Carter / Bobby Bradford (Flying Dutchman)

References

1921 births

2006 deaths

American jazz musicians

American jazz drummers

20th-century American drummers

American male drummers

20th-century American male musicians

American male jazz musicians