|
*** *** *** If Not Now
|
John Fremgen If Not Now John
Fremgen- Upright and Electric Bass *** *** *** Cadence Magazine calls John Fremgen "…an adroit craftsman on the strings slapping and popping away on electric or plucking resonant tones on acoustic." He can be seen performing in Austin with various artists including Tony Campise, Paul Glasse, Doug Hall, Mitch Watkins, Abra Moore, Gerry Gibbs, and Jeff Hellmer. He has performed with many jazz luminaries including Jamie Findlay, Shelly Berg, Rick Margitza, Gary Foster, Leni Stern, Ernie Watts and Larry Koonse. He is an assistant professor at The University of Texas where he teaches jazz improvisation, jazz theory, jazz history, jazz bass and directs the AIME ensemble. He has performed, taught and conducted across the US as well as Switzerland, Russia, and Holland. He has appeared on many jingles and national broadcasts including "Morning Becomes Eclectic", "Late Night With David Letterman" and the Bravo documentary "In My Life" with George Martin. His bass playing can be heard on the TV shows "Party Of Five", "Dawson's Creek" and the motion picture "Down To You". He records for the Viewpoint record label and has released three solo CD's featuring Peter Erskine, Shelly Berg and many others. John Fremgen endorses Acoustic Image amplifiers and MTD basses. Selected
Discography: As
a sideman: *** *** *** *** *** *** Words
of Praise: John
Fremgen has incredibly keen instincts. At times, his interplay
creates an impromptu three-part counterpoint. John is a devoted
student of the Bill Evans trios, and his interactive playing
is an extension of that influence. On the other hand, he instinctively
provides a solid, foundational style at precisely those moments
when a counterbalance is necessary to the gamesmanship of Peter
and Mitch. As a soloist, John is never predictable, yet he always
creates a clear and compelling path for the listener to follow.
John's musical palette is wide, so it is not uncommon to hear,
for instance, his love of delta blues insinuated into a straight-ahead
solo. Beautiful. Fremgen
shows himself an adroit craftsman on the strings, slapping and
popping away on electric or plucking resonant tones on acoustic. John
Fremgen is the best bass player on the scene today-at home in
virtually any setting or lineup. This
band was a pleasant surprise…."A Nightingale Sang
in Berkeley Square" gives scope for a fine solo by Fremgen. Fremgen
is consistently on his toes, strong and energetic, and the group
swings hard and happy. Bassist
John Fremgen has been ubiquitous of late as a producer and band
member on other people's recordings and club gigs, but Meanwhile
(Viewpoint) gives him an opportunity to step into the spotlight
as bandleader and accomplished soloist.
Herb
jazz with cajones. Jam band banditos get the goods on this album.
The flow is smooth and solid .arrangements are original and
played so naturally that musical rebates abound and there is
enough rock to keep the jazz weeds from getting out of hand.
I say, Now-(not if). Keep
it coming! I want to hear more. *** *** *** *** *** *** |
