At one time, Chico Freeman (along with Arthur Blythe, David Murray and the late Lester Bowie) were the darlings of the left of center jazz cognizenti. Since the heady 80s, their patented mix of freedom and form have drifted away from the spotlight, with Freeman pulling a “Where’s Waldo.” Here, Freeman returns with a vengeance and a new team of Heiri Kanzig/ b, Michael Baker/dr and Antonio Farao/p, and all you’ll want to think after listening to these 13 tunes is “Boy, have we missed you!”
It’s impressive that Freeman feels so comfortable in this stage of his career that he gives many of the opening solos to pianist Farao, letting the lyrical touch set the stage for his warm tenor on the easy swinging read of “ Seven Steps to Heaven” and the relaxed bop for his soprano on “Free Man.” The rhythm team melds into a slick and soulful mix of hip hop and swing on “India Blue” while they show how to change a pulse from a walk to a job on the bluesy “Black Inside.”
As far as Freeman himself, you’re not going to get a better tone out of anyone as Freeman lets the fog roll in with Farao’s lazy piano on a late night “Soft Pedal Blues” , glows like embers on “Niskayuna” and sighs on “Lara’s Lullaby.” The thing that is present on this session that is missing on so many other recent recordings is a sense of calm authority. Freeman knows who he is, what he can do, and he doesn’t need to impress you, all the while doing so with a calm confidence. What a joy!