This resource is unique in providing information regarding the rhythm guitar style of Freddie Green. Many
topics have been included to cover the approach he used in playing rhythm guitar.
The research to provide transcriptions of his chord style were painstaking as the transcribers had to sort through old vinyl recordings where the guitar was weak in sound. Therefore the amount of work and research makes this site very special.
There are articles on the life and times of Freddie Green covering his 50 year tenure with the Count Basie
Orchestra. The amount of material to read and digest
is plentiful covering not only his life and playing style, but also acquainting the reader with Freddie Green
as a person and excellent musician. The photos and record reviews are a welcome feature of the site.
A favorite aspect of this site is the grand collection of
rhythm guitar transcriptions. When studied seriously,
one learns the workings of Mr.Green's mind in using his
unique 3-note chords and chord substitution ideas in
creating the background pulse of the big bands.
The site is laid out well, and arranged by topics in an
easily navigated format. There is a guestbook to sign
and many use it as a message board, also. The best
aspect of the site is that despite all the volume of
material to sift through, it leaves you wanting more
and more. And the owner of the site, Mr.Michael Pettersen, is working hard to constantly provide more material and transcriptions. He has done a remarkable
job.
Plan to spend a great deal of time at this site, because
you will become very absorbed in the information
provided. Indeed, it will change your perspective
concerning the place of the rhythm guitarist in the
big band. Freddie Green rarely took a solo, but raised
the art of rhythm playing to a high level of creativity
and skill.
It is no wonder that Freddie Green was known as "Mr. Rhythm".
Keep on pickin',
Robert G. Denman
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