Earl Freeman (March 11, 1931 – July 25, 1994[1]) was an American free jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, poet, and artist best known for his work during the 1960s and 70s with Gong, Noah Howard, Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp, and Clifford Thornton.
[1][4] During the early 1970s, he moved to New York City, where he became part of the emerging loft jazz scene, joining a collective improvisation group known as The Music Ensemble, which included musicians such as Billy Bang, Daniel Carter, Dewey Johnson, Noah Howard, and William Parker.
[6] The 1980s saw Freeman moving back to California, where he recorded with Sonny Simmons, then returning to New York City, where he formed the Freestyle Band, a trio with clarinetist Henry P. Warner and hand drummer Philip Spigner.
[1] Throughout his life, Freeman was also active as a poet and visual artist, publishing his work in small, short-run editions, and giving copies to friends.
"[1] With Claude Delcloo and Arthur Jones With Friendship Next of Kin Featuring Selwyn Lissack With Gong With Noah Howard With Sunny Murray With Mike Osborne With Archie Shepp With Sonny Simmons With Kenneth Terroade With Clifford Thornton With François Tusques