David K. Freeman

STATS Rank: 5,420 Views: 4,189

Primary Instrument: Percussion

A New Jersey native, David grew up in the suburbs just minutes from New York City. He is open minded, positive, focused and free spirited and these characteristics are reflected in his work.

David, musical from childhood, began his music studies on piano and saxophone before making percussion his focus. His desire to learn remains strong and he continues to this day to consult and collaborate with his teachers including Russ Moy, Billy Martin, Robert Benford, Ustad Shabbir Nisar and Prasanna Kumar.

Because of his diverse interests and experiences, David often collaborates with artists in different mediums, affording himself a level of comfort working in wide varieties of creative environments. Being open and allowing himself to learn from the creative process is evident in his work as collaborator, band leader, composer and performer.

For David, the creative process is a place where music filters philosophy and life experience. Merkava, is one project resulting from this approach. Founded in the winter of 07’, Merkava is an exploration of the jewish traditional/spiritual landscape. Merkava uses new music, by way of bringing traditional music into a contemporary light.

In October 2005, David founded Citizen Orchestra, a collective of musicians focusing on the art of improvised music. Citizen Orchestra, has produced two recordings, Volume One and Volume Two. Volume One was released in the summer of 2007 and is available on CD Baby.

David is also well know for his playing with The Outer Bridge Ensemble. OBE has been performing original music actively both at home and abroad since 2001’. OBE is currently recording its 3rd full length album due for Spring 08’ release.

Although still young in his career, David’s accomplishments as an educator remain impressive as he manages to maintain a pace that never seems to tire. His work in the community rivals to that of his performance and recording career. As an educator David co-founded a hand drum workshop/music therapy program for Middlesex County’s Dept. of Youth Services, Juvenile Detention Center in NJ and has been conducting classes since 2002’. The program remains the only one of it’s kind in the state’s detention system to this day.

Last Updated: February 13, 2008

As a Leader

Citizen Orchestra
Independent Release
2007
Tracks: Track; Track.
Personnel: Stephen Hudson: Piano.Paul Rucker: Bass/Cello. Leena Gilbert: Violin. Mustafa Bhagat: Sitar. Stephen Chopek: Percussion. David Freeman: Percussion.

As A Side Musician

Seamless
Outer Bridge Ensemble
Independent Release
2006
Tracks: Track; Track.
Personel: Stephen Hudson: Piano. Michael Noordzy: Bass. David Freeman: Percussion. Mark DeJong: Saxophone. Tom Buckelew: Bass Clarinet.

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Primary Instrument:
Percussion

Location:
West Orange, NJ

Willing to teach:
Beginners

Credentials/Background:
Conduct Hand drum workshops for individuals and groups as well as tabla and drumset, rhythmic studies and improvisation.

Clinic/Workshop Information:
Teaching improvisation in small ensemble setting for high school music students.

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Drumset, tabla and percussion.

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