David Garfield has been playing keys for decades and that’s not to make him sound old but to emphasize his staying power. In an era of one dimensional or even one-hit wonders, David’s musical chops have stood the test of time. This Chicago native has played with such diverse acts as Larry Carlton, Spinal Tap, George Benson, Manhattan Transfer and Cher, to do a little name dropping. His latest offering is a contemporary take on the Miles Davis classic Freddie Freeloader.
Wes Montgomery also recorded it as did Jon Hendricks who put words to it featuring Bobby McFerrin; each one putting their stamp on this classic. What I like about David’s latest pass at this copyright is he modernizes it without losing the essence or cool of the song. From a programming perspective it flows with today’s radio scene but stands out enough which doesn’t it allow it to get swept away in your 20- minute music sweep.
David enlists the help of Rick Braun and Eric Marienthal to deliver 4 minutes and fourteen seconds of sheer musical joy. I think the late Red Skeleton’s character Freddie The Freeloader would have grooved to this one.
Check out David Garfield’s Freddie Freeloader when you tune in to the Atlanta’s Jazz Station 91. WCLK.
