Russ Freeman, not to be confused with the Rippingtons/Kenny G guitarist of the same name, was one of a handful of white pianists involved in the burgeoning bebop scene in L.A. He's worked with Dexter Gordon, Sonny Criss, Charlie Parker and Howard McGhee and was part of Roy Porter's big band (which also featured Eric Dolphy, Joe Maini, Teddy Edwards, Art & Addison Farmer in its ranks).