bfbio.jpg
The sea is glist’ning, the rains have gone
Seabirds are racing, long after they’ve won
The wind is rising, skies blowing clear
The Isle of Staffa grows ever more near

The cave of Fingal rising so high
With turquoise waters churning inside
Ancient rock chiseled by cold, fire and heat
Hexagonal patterns, rise up from the sea
 
– Brian Freeman from “Isle of Staffa”
Born with five fingers (no thumb) on his right hand, Freeman developed and honed a unique flatpick/fingerpick guitar style that is at-once blazing, at-once tender and melodic, leading many to remark “how does he get so much sound out of one guitar?”  The solid rhythms and intricate melodies beautifully compliment his rich, warm vocals that fit his original and Celtic material like a well-worn glove.

Traveling to Scotland 30 years ago to explore his family roots exposed him to the music of his heritage and soul, and he’s been performing it ever since. His Freeman ancestors became “free men” in the Ayrshire region of western Scotland, and it is from that local which his stories and many of the songs emanate. It should come as no surprise that Freeman has developed a substantial catalogue of Robert Burns songs gleaned from performing 20 years at Burns Celebrations.

Praised as an accomplished instrumentalist, passionate singer and compelling storyteller, it is the songs both original and traditional that leave audiences feeling like they have just had a conversation with a good friend.  With themes of love, death, envy, friendship, and the changes brought with aging or parenthood, Freeman’s songs speak to each audience member, young and old alike, moving them to join in an instantly remembered chorus in common recognition.

Freeman has shared the stage with many of folk music’s top performers in his thirty years of playing including The Battlefield Band, The Kingston Trio, John Renbourn, Pentangle, and Doc Watson to name a few.  His six recordings have garnered enthusiastic response from radio stations and reviewers alike:  “Here’s a folkie you can freely recommend to anyone who wants to find a new sound that is well worth the price of admission.”     – Midcap Record Recap

Whether playing to thousands at festivals or hundreds in smaller concert settings, Freeman leaves an audience with a comfortable feeling of time well spent with someone who excels in his craft, and who respects the audience as much as the music.
HOME     BIO      RECORDINGS      PERFORMANCES