|
|
|
photo by Dave Gregory
In 1981, in Philadelphia, Scott Marvill assembled a group of musicians eager to play the music they enjoyed. Jazz. They soon discovered a certain "chemistry" and musical collaboration that led to their formation of "Freeport". The group would flourish playing for a decade together. Some of the highlights were recording and performing with Tower Of Power, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Special EFX, and Grover Washington Jr. to name a few.
Then Scott moved to North Carolina. He decided to continue the band taking the opportunity to bring the New York/Philadelphia jazz feel to the South. He assembled players and instrumentation that would provide a unique sound. Doing this has created a very full and flexible sound allowing Freeport to play all types of jazz. This is evident by the numerous instruments on stage including three keyboards, multiple saxes (Alto, Tenor, Soprano), flute, drums, guitar and basses.
Since re-entering the jazz community five years ago Freeport has found themselves as busy as they want to be performing with artists like Bob James, James Cotton, Bob Baldwin, Eric Mintel, Matt Marshak, Dee Lucas, Marcus Johnson, and the list goes on. During a recent radio interview on 88.5 WFDD Marvill says "we found that drawing from multiple music styles such as Contemporary Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz standards, and R&B gives everyone what they want. Plus there are no self-imposed limits within the band. Our performances are always fresh not knowing what influence will creep into that particular song. Our arrangements and performances are impacted by dynamic changes and influences from all styles of jazz. In fact, what we hear most is the enjoyment of these influences we apply in our songs." This infusion helps with communicating and connecting to the audience. Freeport pays close attention to how and what the audience reacts to and in turn providing them exactly what they want at the same time not forgiving musical exploration and feel.
Freeport offers a combination of Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Jazz Standards. The four piece Jazz group consists of Steve Thornton on saxes, flute, percussion, Malik Graham on keyboards, Herman Sanders on drums, and Scott Marvill on guitar and basses.
Audience reactions have been great and they seem to not be able to get enough. They are hungry for Freeport's versatile styles of jazz. Freeport self-described slogan is "Jazz For All People". And that's just what they deliver. Come see what the buzz is about.