Legendary saxophonist Freddie Washington, a leader on the St. Louis jazz scene since the 1960s, will help to kick-start Washington University in St. Louis’ fall Jazz at Holmes Series by performing a free concert of modern jazz from 8-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, in Ridgley Hall’s Holmes Lounge.
In all, Jazz at Holmes will present 10 performances this fall by locally and nationally known musicians.
Washington began playing professionally in the mid-1950s, while still a student at Sumner High School. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he returned home and became a popular mainstay of the Gaslight Square clubs in the 1960s. Over the years, he has performed with noted musicians such as Nat Adderley, Freddie Hubbard and Emily Remler. His recordings include the critically acclaimed “Lilac, Vol. 1” (1997). He is scheduled to appear Sept. 21 with his quartet, Modern Jazz.
Jazz at Holmes will continue Sept. 28 with drummer Montez Coleman and guitarist Eric Slaughter, followed Oct. 5 by singer Kim Fuller and her band.
Other highlights will include: Italian guitarist Filippo Cosentino performing “Music of Italian Film Composers” Oct. 19; singers Scott Bryan and Rick Schuler performing “Voices of Freedom, Songs of Social Justice” Nov. 2; and the Arc of Light Ensemble, an all-star group of St. Louis jazz musicians, Nov. 16.
