George Freeman - The Good Life (2023)

If a new George Freeman album is always a blessing, then what is a new George Freeman album featuring two world class backing bands? That’s the riddle we’ll need to solve as we spend more time with his newest CD, The Good Life. George is joined on the first half of the album by Joey DeFrancesco and Lewis Nash and on the second half of the disc, by Christian McBride and Carl Allen. These songs, five by George, and two standards (“If I Had You” and “The Good Life”) are all beautifully played, with George’s brilliant tone and musical ideas front and center on “Mr. D” (George’s tribute to Joey DeFrancesco). “1,2,3,4” has a Chicago to New Orleans groove happening that is slick and fun, and that tone with Christian McBride’s big bass notes? That’s a good time, indeed.

George Freeman - (guitar)
Joey DeFrancesco - (organ)
Lewis Nash - (drums)
Christian McBride - (bass)
Carl Allen - (drums)

Tracklist
01. If I Had You with Joey DeFrancesco and Lewis Nash
02. Mr. D
03. Up and Down
04. Lowe Groovin'
05. 1, 2, 3, 4
06. Sister Tankersley
07. The Good Life