Dr. Russ Freeman Heals on Tour

You’ve heard that music is therapeutic, but how about medicinal? For the past five years, contemporary jazz musician Russ Freeman (pictured left) has traveled hospitals, hospices, and retirement homes across the country, using music to help improve the quality of life for the ill. Throughout July and August, the Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman will continue that effort, touring the West Coast and Midwest promoting music therapy and their latest CD, Life in the Tropics, which won Billboard’s top honors as #1 Contemporary

Jazz Album of the Year.

You might wonder to what extent smooth jazz, however soothing, can actually help in the recovery process from serious illness and trauma. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) wonders the same thing, and for the past 50 years, under different titles, has taken the question seriously, developing and promoting music therapy services worldwide.

The tour supports the notion that music is an effective healing tool that can touch the whole body as well as tickle the ears. Check out a show and decide for yourself whether the role of music as a healing device is mere PR gimmick, or a more legitimate crossover venture between the disciplines of music and medicine.

For more information and tour dates, visit the AMTA Web site,

www.musictherapy.org, or the Rippingtons Web site, www.rippingtons.com.

Originally Published June 26, 2001