Russell Donald Freeman (May 28, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois – June 27, 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada) was a bebop and cool jazz pianist and composer.

Freeman was initially classically trained, but later turned toward jazz of a largely bop style. His reputation as a jazz pianist grew in the 1940s when he did work with Art Pepper, Shorty Rogers, and Chet Baker. Among his best regarded work is his extensive collaboration with Shelly Manne, especially in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1991, Mariah Carey wrote her own lyrics to Freeman's "The Wind" for her album Emotions. Freeman had written "The Wind" with original lyrics by Jerry Gladstone; it had been performed as an instrumental piece during the 1950s and 1960s by the likes of Chet Baker, Leo Wright, and Stan Getz, as well as sung by vocalist June Christy (on The Misty Miss Christy). Freeman's piano is featured on the 1954 recording of "The Wind," which has since become a jazz standard, for the album Chet Baker with Strings (also found on the CD Deep in a Dream: The Ultimate Chet Baker Collection where Freeman plays on seven cuts including another of his compositions, "Summer Sketch"). Freeman remained busy in music throughout his life, transitioning from jazz pianist to film scoring and composition before his death in Las Vegas in 2002.

Russ Freeman's originality stems both from a healthy respect and knowledge of tradition and a completely personal and intriguing manner of presenting his musical thoughts. The best way to describe Russ' music is to say that he is one of the very few improvisers whose every single note counts; take out any one and a definite gap would be felt in the musical entity of his performance. Russ is a member of an even smaller elite group, namely the jazz composers. When he picks up pencil and paper to put down an original, it is just that: not simply an interesting line built on familiar chord changes or comfortable progressions, but a real piece, original in mood, concept and harmony.

If all this tends to make Russ sound deadly serious, then let me hasten to correct that impression. His music is often filled with humor; a sardonic kind rather than the baggy-pants kind, but a very definite humor nevertheless. ~ Pete Welding



Critics have included Nathan Tanouye on their list of visionary jazz talents most likely to inspire a new generation of classical jazz fans. Through the years, Nathan has played trombone alongside esteemed artists such as Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, The Temptations, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, among others.

Since 1998, he has been principal trombonist in the Las Vegas Philharmonic. He’s also been featured on the famous Las Vegas Strip, playing in award-winning shows like The Producers, Hairspray, At the Copa and Storm. His inspired performances and ability to convey the essence of West Coast-style cool jazz brought the attention of Carolyn Freeman, widow of legendary jazz pianist Russ Freeman, who tapped Nathan to lead The Russ Freeman Project in 2004.

Carolyn had been searching for the perfect young musician to arrange Russ’ composition for a big band orchestra CD, and Nathan embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Crossings: The Freeman Project (Peacock 2006) is the first critically-acclaimed CD to feature the music of Russ Freeman as interpreted by Nathan and the Las Vegas Jazz Connection.

Carolyn Freeman comments, “My husband always tried to give talented, younger musicians a break in the jazz business. I’m certain Russ would applaud Nathan’s creative arrangements and performances … he captures the Freeman spirit in a brilliant new way.”



For more information, please contact The Russ Freeman Project media manager at 702-869-5451 and at www.peacockent.com

"My love for education has inspired me to share my knowlege with others. Nothing is more rewarding than to learn something you did not know before, and then to give it greater value, by offering it as a light to others. I want to thank Jaijai Jackson and The Jazz Network Worldwide, for providing this opportunity for me to share what has been given to me."
Peace, Armsted Christian-Educator
Click here to learn more about Armsted's stellar career.


As is understood by many societies all over the world, is the importance of this concept “Each One...Teach One." The Loving Act of sharing. This powerful concept is reflected in the foresight and understanding of the Creator and Founder of The Jazz Network Worldwide... Jaijai Jackson. Her Network TJNW, is fast becoming "The NetWork” Just take a look at the Myriad of artists presently represented on her site. We all share her vision. We are truly a family. One which is ever growing. I am proud to be a friend and member of Jaijai Jacksons' Dream Network, TJNW. I salute Jaijai Jackson... Visionary with Extraordinary Insight and a Heart Filled With Love..............Continue To Walk In The Light
Benard Ighner