14 Scots, Irish and Original Songs presented in fresh, energetic arrangements on guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, fiddle, upright bass, autoharp, tiplÂ, bodhran, whistle, and vocals.

14 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Traditional Folk, WORLD: Celtic



Details:
"A Bottle and a Friend" is a collection of 9 traditional Scots and Irish and 5 original songs that seamlessly blend the past with the present with heart and humor.

On this album Brian performs on guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, bodhran, whistle, autoharp, tiple and vocals, and is joined on the CD by Crystal Reeves on fiddle and viola, Steve Fain on electric and upright bass, Sam Cuenca on upright bass, and Kailey Freeman on harmony vocals.

From the whimsical nature of the traditional Scottish song "The Parish O' Dunkeld" in which the minister's fire and brimstone sermons result in his being hung by his partitioners and replaced in the pulpit by a still and piper, to a song Brian wrote about the reconciliation with one's father, to "A Perfect World" where the twisted world is straightened somewhat when seen through lovers' eyes, to a multi-voiced choral rendition of successful courtship on the traditional Scots song "To Pad the Road with Me." Brian's arrangements and lyrics are full of vitality and new twists on familiar themes.

Born with five fingers (no thumb) on his right hand, Freeman developed and honed a unique flatpick/fingerpick guitar style 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.

" . . . fine string work, his clear, rich voice sounds like it is right out of the Highlands." - Grants Pass Courier

"Brian has the unique ability to bring a listener as close to being in another man's shoes as I've heard." - Michael Mish

"Brian's music is honest, lasting and true. He is folk, in its finest expression and sentiment." - Ashland Daily Tidings

"Brian has shared the stage with many of folk music's top performers including Pentangle, The Battlefield Band, The Kingston Trio, John Renbourn, Riders in The Sky, Doc Watson and Holly Near to name a few."

Whether playing to thousands at festivals or hundreds at 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 he performs.

Brian is available for Folk Concerts, Celtic Festivals, Scottish Games, and has a unique program with fellow musician Lorraine Rawls entitled "Spurs and Thistles" following the Scots/Irish migration through song to the Western states.

Brian's Albums include: "Early Mornin' Late Night People" 1980 (only on vinyl), "Fifth Finger Music" 1982 (only on vinyl), "Place in My Mind" 1982 (CD only), "Can You Hear Me" 1994 (CD and cassette), "Songs of Robert Burns" 2000 (CD only), and just released "A Bottle and A Friend" 2003 (CD only).