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Freddie Washington
Years ago, Freddie Washington was a young upstart trying to make a name for himself in the music business.
With luck, great timing, and a wealth of talent, he was recommended to replace a bass player who was leaving Herbie Hancock’s band. During his audition, Freddie played with such authority and passion that he got the job. He had unleashed a raw power that impressed Hancock and jump-started his career. He continued to tour with Hancock for several years andappeared on several hit albums by the jazz artist,including “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” “Mister Hands” and “Monster.”
That was just the beginning for Freddie. He produced his own recipe for success as an artist by stirring emotions and eliciting reactions through his booming bass.
It was an incredible break for a spunky 19-year-old kid who had dreamed of one day playing with some of the music industry’s greats. News of Freddie’s talent soon spread rapidly throughout the music world. Freddie’s story begins in his hometown of Oakland, California, where he became interested in the bass at 14. He took music courses in school and learned to play the bass. Freddie’s road to bass domination had begun. His instrument became an extension of his hands as he practiced day and night, often seeking refuge in the wee hours in his bedroom closet which, after lights out, became his rehearsal space.
"I just wanted to be good,” said Freddie, who elevates the lyrical sophistication of songs through his stylish interpretations. “I wanted to be so good that I could make people believe that playing the bass is all I know how to do. I wanted to be the best.”
Today, Freddie is a highly regarded bassist. To many, he is the best. He has certainly made a name for himself. Now known as “Ready Freddie,” a moniker he received, he says, because he’s “ready” for anything, the bassist’s mastery of his craft is the polished product of his years of preparation. He became adept at all sides of the music by listening to and familiarizing himself with jazz, gospel, r&b and pop, and incorporated them into his style of play, which has become known as the “Ready Freddie” groove, a half-time body movement that is now his infectious m.o.
Freddie Washington, BassIn the music industry, there are bass players and then there’s “Ready Freddie,” the first call studio musician, the songwriter and live performance player who brings uniquely pertinent credentials to his role. His collaborative efforts with friend and musician, Patrice Rushen, produced the early ‘80s hits “Haven’t You Heard” and “Forget Me Nots.” Their friendship and joy of playing music together has lasted nearly 20 years.
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Jazz This Week: Dan White Sextet, Willie Akins-Montez Coleman Quartet, Freddie Washington's Coltrane Tribute, and More
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
This week's menu of noteworthy jazz and creative music shows around St. Louis includes headlining appearances by two longtime local favorite tenor saxophonists, as well as the local debut of an up-and-coming touring band. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, the Dan White Sextet from Columbus, Ohio will be in St. Louis for the first time to perform at Robbie's House of Jazz. Their debut release, New York Sessions, features a tight ensemble sound and some interesting solos in service ...
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Jazz This Week: Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival, Oikos Ensemble, Lauren Sevian, Freddie Washington, Cornet Chop Suey, and More
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
It's another busy weekend for jazz and creative music in St. Louis, with a number of touring musicians in town for the ninth annual Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival and an extensive menu of shows featuring St. Louis musicians, too. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian will present an early evening performance and master class at Saxquest. Sevian is in town to serve as a clinician/adjudicator for the daytime, educational portion of the GSLJF, which involves ...
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Jazz This Week: The Wee Trio, Chris Corsano, "Jazz Under the Stars," Freddie Washington, and More
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
If there's a theme to this week, it would seem to be youth," as the next few days' worth of jazz and creative music in St. Louis will feature a number of fresh faces (plus a few relatively grizzled veterans) performing in a variety of styles ranging from the traditional to the experimental. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, vibraphonist Peter Schlamb and his group will kick off the winter/spring 2012 Jazz at Holmes series of free concerts at Washington ...
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Freddie Washington to Open Black Rep Concert Series on Sunday, January 29
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
Saxophonist Freddie Washington (pictured) and his group will be the first performers for a Sunday night concert series being presented by the Black Rep. Washington will kick off the series at 7:00 p.m. this Sunday, January 29 at the Grandel Theater. A mainstay on the local jazz scene from the 1960s through the mid-2000s, Washington recently returned to St. Louis after living in Dallas, Nashville and Atlanta. The Black Rep's marketing director Joe Hanrahan tells StLJN that Washington's concert is ...
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Jazz This Week: "Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity," Good 4 the Soul, Freddie Washington, Montez Coleman, and More
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
This week's offerings of jazz and creative music in St. Louis include a number of shows with a holiday theme, as well as homecomings for a couple of St. Louis musicians who aren't heard performing locally nearly often enough. Let's go to the highlights: Tonight, saxophonist Dave Stone's trio provides the music for Buddhism and the Beats," a free event at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts that also will feature Buddhist art and readings from Beat writers of the ...
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Nu-Art Series Announces Concerts Featuring "The Music of Bluiett," Freddie Washington
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
The Nu-Art Series has announced two concerts in December: Saxophonist and composer Hamiet Bluiett (pictured) will direct a performance of his music by the East St. Louis Senior High School music department, including the woodwind ensemble, percussion ensemble, jazz orchestra and combo, at 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, December 3. Saxophonist Freddie Washington will perform with his band at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10. Washington, a mainstay on the local club scene from the 1960s through the 1980s, recently moved back ...
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When You Get Right Down to It, Freddie Washington is "Truly Captivating" (Soul Tracks) on 'In the Moment'
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Shore Fire Media
Beloved" Bassist Master of The Groove's Logic" (NY Times) On Tour With Steely Dan Now Bassist Ready" Freddie Washington, a veteran of hundreds of sessions and shows with some of the world's best-known musicians, whose debut album 'In The Moment' is out now, got a little help from his friends on standout track 'When You Get Right Down To It," penned by Barry Mann and previously a hit for The Delfonics and Aretha Franklin. A Soul Tracks review raves: Washington's ...
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Legendary Bassist "Ready" Freddie Washington Finds His "Moment" on Debut Release
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Shore Fire Media
The legendary bassist Freddie Washington has played on sessions or on tour with a dazzling" (AllMusic) list of notables, including Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Leonard Cohen, and is now touring worldwide with Steely Dan. But he's never released a solo record - until now. On his long-awaited debut In The Moment (RFW Productions), Ready" Freddie writes and produces a well-dressed... pocket-perfect outing" that reinvents the concept of 'quiet storm'" (Bass Player). At the forefront is ...
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