Carson Freeman is a first call player for music requiring saxophones, flute, clarinet, and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Born in Espanola Ontario, Carson moved to Toronto in 1995 to study with saxophone master Pat Labarbera at Humber College on a tuition scholarship. Now a Mississauga, Ontario resident, Carson has become notorious in the Toronto area, performing as a sideman, and as the leader of various soul and contemporary jazz ensembles.
Music critics have described Carson’s playing as: “Billowing”, “Soothing”, and “Sanborn-esque!” Carson’s tenor saxophone seems to effortlessly soar from clearly spoken low tones up to stratospheric high pitches with precision and meaning. An original voice that pairs rhythmic conceptions with a rich palette of harmonic ideas compare Carson Freeman’s playing to the greats by way of innovation. Showcasing an eclectic modern approach, with a foot steeped in tradition, Carson Freeman’s personalized sound pushes the saxophone into new uncharted territories one note at a time.
Over the years, Carson has had the privilege to share the stage with a variety of talented musicians including; Diana Krall, Mary Wilson (the Supremes), the Nylons, the legendary Motown Funk Brothers, trumpeters Greg Adams (Tower of Power), Randy Brecker, Rick Braun, Marvin Stamm, flautist Alexander Zonjic, jazz pianist Oliver Jones, singer/pianist Carol Welsman, guitarists Peter White, (Grammy winning producer) Paul Brown, Marc Antoine, drummer Max Weinberg, and legendary saxophonist David Sanborn. In 2008, as a member of the Marshall Dane Band, Carson was a co-recipient of the “Best Live Band” award at the Toronto Independent Music Awards.
In April 2010, Carson was awarded “Wind Instrumentalist of the Year” at the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards for his playing on Rob Tardik’s CD the Right Time. In the summer of 2010, Freeman’s love of cooking was paired with his love of music as he was showcased on the television series Come Dine with Me Canada. His sax playing was highlighted, but it was his skills as an amateur chef that awarded him top prize. The awards and recognitions of 2010 have pushed Carson into the local spotlight. A new creative voice on the saxophone, Carson Freeman is a true Canadian talent worth lending an ear to!
