Posted on: Wednesday, July 18, 2001

Blues guitarist plans August Hawai'i debut

Advertiser staff

Need a Freund?

Chicago blues guitarist and bandleader Steve Freund (pronounced "froine") marks his Hawai'i debut with performances at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts theater, and at 10 p.m. Aug. 4 at Hale'iwa Joe's.

Praised by Rolling Stone magazine for his "masterful, no-nonsense guitar work," the Brooklyn-born bluesman's music bears the influence of Windy City legends such as Freddie King, Otis Rush and Eddie Taylor. Although Chicago blues is his current style of choice, Freund is equally adept at seizing control of swing, traditional blues or jump blues tunes.

A 30-year music veteran, Freund moved to Chicago at 24 to apprentice with longtime blues musicians. After learning the roles of second guitar and soloist in a handful of Chicago blues combos, Freund went on to study the trickier task of accompanying piano masters such as Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Walker and Chicago blues patriarch Sunnyland Slim.

Notable guests on Freund's recorded work have included Boz Scaggs and Fabulous Thunderbirds lead vocalist Kim Wilson.

The tour is in support of his latest release, "I'll Be Your Mule." Freund's academy appearance will also feature Honolulu journeyman blues band Third Degree.

Tickets for Freund's Academy theater concert are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Call 532-8701. Tickets for his Hale'iwa Joe's show are $10. Call 637-8005.