About Me.

Garrett Frees is a saxophonist, composer, clarinetist, and flutist. He enjoys expressing his musicality in any situation, from various jazz, alternative, and hip hop genres to his personal creative projects. Born in Naperville, IL, Garrett grew up learning different genres on the piano, saxophone, clarinet, drums, and voice. Throughout high school, while studying with Rich Moore and Frank Caruso, Garrett won multiple awards and scholarships in jazz including the National Youngarts award. He participated in high school programs with the Jazz Institute of Chicago. The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, and the Chicago Jazz Festival of 2020 are some of the places he has played. After graduating high school, Garrett decided to attend New England Conservatory of Music to study with Jerry Bergonzi, Miguel Zenon, Melissa Aldana, Frank Carlberg, and Donny McCaslin. Garrett was a part of the NEC Jazz Honors Ensemble during his third year at New England Conservatory.  Garrett has performed and worked with many amazing artists, including Cecil McBee, Dave Holland, Ran Blake, Ric Wilson, Scott Burns, and Anna Webber, among others.

 

After graduating NEC, Garrett moved back the Chicagoland area where he performs with groups including “Bearduo,” “Banana Acid,” and “Luke Frees and the Shadowband.”  He is very passionate about the creative aspect of original composition and loves diving deeper into different methods of improvisation within these compositions through various musical styles. When Garrett is not spending time with music, he enjoys jogging, cooking, spending time outdoors, hiking, walking, and meditation.