From the
late 1950s through the early 2000s, Freddie Washington built a
reputation as one of the premier jazz musicians on the St.
Louis scene. His muscular,
focused sound on both tenor and alto saxophone as well as flute
became instantly recognizable to local jazz fans – whether he was
leading his own groups or adding a strong presence backing other
musicians at clubs, concerts and festivals throughout
region.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>However, in late 2006, Washington decided to move away from St. Louis. Business interests took him first to Dallas, then to Nashville and Atlanta. But this past September, Washington decided to move back home. Now he’s in the process of re-establishing his presence musically.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>You can catch Washington in concert this Saturday, December 12 at the Metropolitan Gallery, 2936 Locust, as part of the Nu-Art series. He’ll be playing from 3-6 p.m. with his ensemble, consisting of pianist Brian Hanson, bassist Ben Wheeler and drummer Maurice Carnes.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Recently, Washington discussed his time away and subsequent move back to St. Louis – as well as discussing his musical background, his views on how the area jazz scene has evolved and some upcoming projects.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I spent three years in the Dallas area when I first moved away,” Washington said. “But unfortunately, I never could find a real solid jazz scene there. The real focus is up around North Texas State University, which is north of Dallas. I was located further south, near Arlington, so it was difficult to get there on a regular basis. And the clubs closer to the city really weren’t offering what I would call real jazz.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Subsequent moves to Nashville and Atlanta didn’t allow Washington much time to get involved with playing music – and he also found the music in those cities, especially Nashville, more oriented toward other styles and genres.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>This past September, Washington decided to return to St. Louis, where his real roots as a musician developed. He first played professionally while still a student at Sumner High School in the mid-1950s. After enlisting in the Navy “font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>in 1956, where he attended music school, Washington returned to St. Louis and studied at the St. Louis School of Music and then at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In the late 1960s Washington won the award for Best Tenor Sax at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival – a break that led to an audition in New York with Mongo Santamaria’s band.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Washington
returned home
after a year, earned a graduate degree in psychology and began to
work in the East St. Louis school system. But he kept playing music
at night, working with great area players such as pianist John
Chapman, bassist John Mixon, fellow sax legend Willie Akins and
drummer Sonny Hamp in groups such as the Metropolitan Jazz Quartet
and others.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Washington
has also
worked with major names as well throughout his career, including
noted musicians such as Nat Adderley, Freddie Hubbard, bassist
Wilber Ware and guitarist Emily Remler.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He also released a CD in 1997 on famed saxophonist Oliver Lake’s Passin’ Thru label. Titled Lilac, Vol. 1, the CD gained a good deal of critical acclaim. And according to Washington, there’s enough material left over from the recording sessions to provide almost enough material for a follow-up release.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“We really laid down a lot of good material in the studio,” Washington said. “In fact, that’s why we added ‘Vol. 1’ to the CD title, because we had so much material, we thought we’d have a second one to follow up. But there just wasn’t quite enough material to really make another full CD. So I’m trying to figure out what to do to fill it out and get all that material released.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Since he’s returned to St. Louis, Washington has played at Robbie’s House of Jazz and a couple of other events in addition to Saturday’s upcoming performance in the Nu-Art series.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“It seems there aren’t enough places that feature jazz as there used to be,” Washington said. “But I want to get back out there. I just need to find the right combination of musicians to work with and put a group together. Saturday’s concert is another step in that direction.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The Freddie Washington Ensemble will perform Saturday, December 10, as part of the Nu-Art Series at the Metropolitan Gallery, 2936 Locust St. Admission is $10. Call 314-535-6500.
