Audley Freed | Truetone Lounge

Audley Freed’s musicality and easy-going attitude have garnered him gigs with Cry of Love, The Black Crows, Peter Frampton, Dixie Chicks, Joe Perry, Sheryl Crow, and, many many others. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Audley shares everything from riding to gigs in vans with his early band, Cry of Love, to playing with Jimmy Page at the Greek Theatre, to his current position as one of the most in-demand sidemen in the world. Freed also talks gear, with his Senn Pomona, 1965 SG Special, B-Bender equipped Pomona, Lazy J amp, and his minimalistic pedalboard.

[@macadoo2530]

Southern people have a natural flow & respect in conversation that makes them a pleasure to listen to.Not to mention what a great musician he is. cheers Audley.

[@cpfs936]

Audley, Jack Pearson, Jimmy Herring...all cut from the same cloth in that regard.

[@VincentVader]

Talk about one of the best unknown guitarists out there.

[@JamieCarter-wv8rp]

He's known...Trust me! He is known!!!

[@michaelpmitchem]

Cry of Love came out around the time I was starting on guitar in Southport, NC - about 25 miles from Wilmington. Audley blew my mind with Brother (and still does). Then a few years later I learned he was a Wilmington guy! I still live here. Hope I see him around Wilmington someday just to thank him for the great music and the contribution to my guitar playing. Cheers!

[@NCSUME1]

I met Audley once at Kelly Holland's apartment (off HIllsboro st). He is a such a genuinely nice guy and amazing player. He was sitting on the couch and Kelly just said 'hey Aud, play a little somethin' for Will and he just played the most beautiful stuff just noodling around and Kelly would improvise over it. An amazing day i'll never forget...

[@beckylee2450]

I’ve known Audley since working with him in “that grocery store” in Burgaw NC. A beautiful talented human. Great interview.

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

Audley and Cry of Love are some of the greatest rock talents of all time. I wish they were on to their twelfth album now.

[@joelewisband879]

I don't know Audley but he was pivotal in my growth as a guitarist..cry of love has been a go to CD at least monthly since its release...the tone and pkaying just other worldly...

[@charlesjohnson1120]

I happen to see this gentleman with Sheryl Crow's band on the Late Night Show. I was not aware he is from my hometown of Burgaw, NC.

[@derekzelenka6740]

right? he is very beautiful...so tall and lanky and his amazing hair...easy to stare at tbh

[@stratocaster1greg]

I sure enough grew my share of tobacco in the South. Listened to Cry of Love a lot and really dug it. I recently got a little turntable like yours.

[@TravisMossMusic]

I'm 30 minutes in and can't get over how down to earth he is. What a career path and what a cool interview this is. The riffs on the "Brother" alone cements him in my top players book.

[@donniewilliams736]

You gotta love the honesty in his voice

[@joshuajkoplin]

I read that at “hoe down” to earth 😂 thought you was gettin’ you a hoe down in.

[@JayStudioProductions]

I love hearing a great guitar player saying, "it's too expensive". Tells me they still relate to the rest of the world.

[@dodgedandle8311]

Love Audley he is the Real Deal and Such a humble Soul, you can just tell he’s a total music nut which is just Great, there is an Encyclopaedic Knowledge of Music in him that’s for sure, great interview and great information 👍🏻👍🏻❤️⭐️🎸

[@alexandergriggs9934]

These Truetone interviews are addictive. Thanks for giving these guys space to speak freely. All of them have a story.

[@frankrichards3089]

Top notch

[@revchadbrooks]

Audley Freed. I’ve been chasing those Cry of Love licks for years.

[@adamhotrod]

I’m not sure why, but I love listening to Audley talk as much as hearing him play. He has a lyrical way of saying things that makes him such a joy to listen to. He’s also the kind of guitar player I aspire to be, low key and not flashy but so much talent. Brilliant.

[@mshackATL]

Favorite Guitar player of all time! Cry of Love: Brother is in my top 3 favorite albums! The guitar work from Audley Freed is just inspiring!!

[@briannacery9939]

Wow, he got to play with my favorite, Jimmy Page! That would knock me out. I saw Jimmy play the last Yardbirds tour and I said," gee, I wanna play like that!" BB King played a set that same night. But Audley played with Sheryl Crow, Joe Perry and so many more that I admire. He's so lucky! Love The Black Crows!

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

What a genuinely nice guy. No rock ego, just warmth and honesty.

[@HankMorris-el6jg]

I just read the Bob Dylan speech they were talking about, musicarz or something, man, what a special occasion! Thanks

[@Grant_Ferstat]

I love Audley’s playing. I met him in Nashville in ‘08 as he is good friends with the guy who was producing our album. He was really surprised that a guy from Perth, Western Australia knew all about his career. He was so humble and gracious. Very good guy.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thanks, Grant. He is a great guy. A gem. Zac

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

Cry Of Love were the real deal. Amazing classic/blues Rock. Incredible guitar, bass, drum playing, great vocals, Kelly and Robert,, incredible songs which all still sound amazing. I so wish they hadn't split. The Black Crowes just weren't in the same league musically. Audley is too big a talent to be a sideman , he needs his own band again. How about a Cry Of Love reunion with Robert Mason back on vocals ? Come on Audley, its fucking time to shine as brightly as you can again.

[@venturamichael50]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@diegoforest]

Audley is too humble as always. You may know the Crowes songs have multiple layered guitar parts. One big reason he got the Crowes gig, besides being an awesome dude, is that he learned all the guitar parts for each song for the audition. So at the audition when he asked the fellas "which part do you want me to play?", they asked "which one so you know". Freed said "all of them". Rest is history. Freed's work ethic is unmatched.

[@frankrichards3089]

It is Pro's Pro

[@carolann4035]

I really enjoyed this interview with, Audley. I heard him speak of being attracted to music at a young age. I was friends of his mom and she was very musically talented. She was always thinking of Audley and a really proud mother. I met Audley at a campground and he came to dinner at my camper with his mom and a few others. My husband had fixed Blackened Redfish and I fried lacey cornbread. He said it was the best blacked redfish he had ever eaten. Paper plates and cups and Audley was perfectly happy. Great guy. Thanks

[@bubasknr]

Glad to see somebody finally acknowledge Audley. Super nice guy, and an awesome player.

[@raymondpenhollowjr9193]

I became familiar with Audley bc of Cry of Love - Peace Pipe when that effort was available. I had friends who were in a number of various local bands here in NE Ohio from the 60's through present and the song Peace Pipe caught the attention of them and myself was curious about who the players were. I lived in Wilmington NC from 2012 - 2018 I was aware that Audley's roots were vested there. I met a drummer who told me that he had been in a few bands that Audley was the guitarist. So, I had a bunch of respect for Audley and I began to follow his playing via KZbin. When he was invited to accompany Gov't Mule and having watched that performance, I realized that he was a player who, IMHO, was a formidable guitarist. Today, he and Tom Bukovac are my

[@raymondpenhollowjr9193]

two favorite players who are engrossed as studio go tos. He is getting better as he ages and I look forward to enjoying his efforts in the future.

[@dougfa3515]

Really love his playing... especially the stuff he did with Cry of Love!

[@innerpull]

I swear, every single Truetone Lounge interview that goes up is like a breath of fresh air. So inspiring and insightful to get a slice of the lives of such seasoned players.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you!!!!! Zac

[@mattchurchill]

Great interview, been a big fan of Audley since the first Cry of Love record. Guitarists like this are hard to find these days, the real deal! Cheers👍

[@christopherhanna5754]

Crows we're at there best with him, . Humble man giant talent.

[@venturamichael50]

He seems like too nice of a guy to function well with the Robinson brothers.No wonder he didn't last long.

[@robacdc1977]

Michael Ventura He still plays with Chris apparently. I wish he’d join Gov’t Mule, whenever he does stuff with them Warren is on fire, and Aud is no slouch himself.

[@dylandenney3980]

Gotta say I do love Audley but I prefer Marc Ford with the Crowes. But everybody's got an era of a band they like the most no right or wrong. Can say I've never seen or heard a show from the By Your Side/Lions era but Page at the Greek is pretty great, so I prolly shouldn't speak on something I don't really know

[@MontyWoo64]

Super cool dude - totally respect Mr. Freed.

[@derekzelenka6740]

Audley is one of the nicest guys in the scene and a brilliant guitarist...and his wife, Jen, is a world class keyboardist and singer. I used to watch them play music with their friends for years at the now defunct old Family Wash in East Nashville.

[@mariuseriksen4079]

Legend!

[@mightyjoe3849]

His work in Cry of Love has always knocked me out! Great player......very cool dude and so humble with regard to his talent!!!!

[@TruetoneFX]

Couldn't agree more!

[@markanstey2654]

I love audleys playing on the Cry of Love record. Awesome stuff!!

[@ricksvintageguitars]

Cry of Love Records ! Brother and Diamonds and Debris, listen to the 2nd record, possibly better than the 1st!

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

One of my favorites also. Ive learned every song off the first Cry of love album. Played Highway Jones and Piece pipe in many bars.

[@rnsproductions2000]

His tone so earthy and warm. He has a way to impose his emotion in his playing that makes his playing unique and exciting. Even though his playing was legendary in Cry of Love's Brother album, I feel his Diamonds and Debris showcases the fluidity of his playing that is top notch.

[@adadogod]

Thank You Zac and Truetone for these interviews!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome. Zac

[@chrism1990]

I was thrilled when my band got to open for Cry Of Love at Rockafella’s in Columbia SC. I stood in front of Audley during their soundcheck and afterwards Audley was happy to answer my questions about his gear. Super kind fella. He used a JCM 800 into a check cloth 4x12 with 25watt greenbacks. He had an American standard Strat with a JB JR in the bridge, Vox Wha, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Boss Tremolo and a Boss tuner. . He even checked out an old 70’s Marshall 50 watt combo I had just bought and was getting used to using. He gave me some tips regarding turning it up so the power tubes would distort rather than relying on pre amp gain. (It was a different time, and we were blessed to be able to play cranked up much louder than people can these days). I also remember that they covered On The Hunt by Skynyrd and ripped it up! And then a few years later my wife and we’re on our honeymoon and caught him with the Black Crows on the Lions tour.

[@rikshredder]

Interesting. I always thought he used some kind of Marshall. I thought he was using a plexi of some sort. Great tone.

[@edgardeese]

Saw them on the By Your Side tour at the Township when he first joined. One of my favorite concerts I ever saw. Wish I'd gotten into Cry of Love sooner so I could've caught that show.

[@roknfnrol]

Man, that you so much Truetone!!! Audley rules.

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome. Zac

[@JamieCarter-wv8rp]

First met him in my home town when he played with The Point. I used to play some with him when he lived in Raleigh. He taught me a lot.

[@jmparker56]

Thanks for Posting this interview of Audley Zac! A fine North Carolinian making NC Proud!

[@jameshazen2907]

Audley Freed would be great at whatever profession he chose. Happy he chose music!

[@jimmillard7257]

I met Audley in a music class at UNCW in '82. Helluva guy - helluva guitar player AND a helluva songwriter!! Hey bro!!

[@timaves1504]

Great player and such a nice, humble guy. Ran into him in a bar in Nashville last week at a Bros Landreth show in Nashville, watching JD Simo.

[@justdaddrums2704]

Saw him sit in with The Supersuckers. Just phenomenal.

[@dhix2388]

Preparedness meets opportunity . Thanks . Audley your a humble guy.a great trait missing in alot of musicians.

[@edifenzlband3055]

Thank you so much for this interview! I'm a big Cry Of Love/Black Crowes/Zep/Gov't Mule/Allmans .... fan for decades - and I've always been curious about behind the szene stories like that - Audley is that kind of person making this world a better place! Thank you! Cheers from Europe!

[@TruetoneFX]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AdamGotheridge]

Awesome! Have always loved Audley's playing and tones on the cry of love albums. And of course the songs are great too. Still listen to that stuff quite often and kind of scratch my head as to what and how he's doing what he does on those records. It's a unique, very musical style.

[@Freempg]

Sheryl Crow, Audley Freed and Grace Potter performing "New Kid in Town" in tribute to Glenn Frey is a classic.

[@aubreygrandy170]

Great interview. I taught music in the school system for 30 years and I always encouraged hard work and passion. It was great hearing you talk so honestly about those things. Btw, thanks Zak for another awesome interview!!!

[@richardmoore2003]

Thank you for doing this interview. I’ve really come to appreciate and admire Audley’s talent and skill

[@softmind00]

That SG sounds incredible!!!

[@jppagetoo]

I saw Audley in 1998 in one of his first tours with the Black Crowes. Awesome player, nice guy. Great interview.

[@dancrowley488]

I grew up at the same time, and learned to play from the same stuff as Audley. And standing on the stage at the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta playing Skynyrd music? With Gary Rossington watching? And Gary signing your original copy of "One More from the Road?" That is beyond my ability to comprehend. Great interview, great player, cool guy.

[@Freempg]

Audley, Sheryl Crow and Grace Potter's "New Kid In Town" at the Glenn Frey tribute was phenomenal.

[@Jayflo7]

A absolutely great guitar player that should have so much more acclaim than he does and to boot he seems like such a humble and cool guy. Rock on Audley Freed

[@MHMusic85]

Love this guys playing. He has zero rock-star persona. I love it!

[@herringbone72]

Fantastic as always. Love Audley. Such a kind soul.

[@danielmoran4728]

I still listen to Cry of Love all of the time. Awesome! I love Truetone Lounge!

[@TruetoneFX]

Thanks!!!!

[@zajdel63]

Excellent interview with a very under-rated and humble guitarist. Loved everything he's done from Cry of Love, The Black Crowes to present. He has a very unique clean style that sets him apart from most players. Cheers!

[@geojaco9875]

I've always admired Audley's playing, and I have to admit that I'm a bit embarrassed that I wasn't even aware of Cry of Love until around a year ago. Since then I've listened to them constantly and I can honestly say that Audley is easily one of my top 5 favorite players. The fact that he is so humble and down to earth makes me dig him even more. Gotta be something in that North Carolina air and water. If I could jam with him for 10 minutes I'd kick the bucket a happy guy ...

[@celebratingtheclassicswithearl]

Great interview, What an American treasure Audley. Thank you for keepin it alive.

[@TruetoneFX]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@fivewattworld]

Man, these are one of my favorite things to watch on KZbin. Always excited when you put one out Zak!

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you. Zac

[@druwk]

God bless Ernie for taking the time to hang with a fifteen year old in need. Such a blessing.

[@atomicenergysociety6038]

Audley Freed is just AWESOME! His Guitar Skills are off the Charts!

[@TruetoneFX]

The best!

[@iansnyder274]

What a lovely cat he is...very gracious, thoughtful and humble. Thanks Zac!

[@albertobiroli7314]

The best present for me. I thank you so Much Zac. Audley Freed is my Greatest guitar influence. I'm so happy! Unbelievable great interview as usual! In the past I've asked you of it was possibile to have an interview with Audley! A dream come true!!! Thank you so Much again!!! Alberto

[@tommytomcat1a]

Audley's a modest southern gentleman. I've watched the BC's with JP concerts on youtube. Jimmy was having a blast doing those songs with the BC's. Can't think of his name, but the drummer was/is phenomenal and really shined doing the Zep songs.

[@iphner43]

steve gorman

[@dylandenney3980]

Yup Steve's from Hopkinsville Ky. Just found that out and honestly I might be more proud of him being from KY than Stapleton

[@jodymills3138]

Yeah man love Audley, his playing in cry of love grabbed me,and funny I seen him in the crows, n them with Page. Great left hand work. Mine is lazy. Great guy to go with his great talent.

[@jaceyhorvath5704]

Audley enough? Never enough!! Love this player as a front man and side man.

[@DAB248]

Awesome !, Could (Sometimes Do) watch the Truetone Lounge all day long.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thanks, Dave. Zac

[@mammothlars7301]

Awesome interview. Audley is one of the true gentlemen of rock. Not only do i admire his playing, i respect it

[@72911RS]

That Cry of Love album is one of my favourites. I use to think I was the only one who knew about it. I come back to it regularly to try and lift more of the guitar parts. I wish he'd spoken about his move from Strats in his earlier days to the Tele now.

[@monmixer]

That's quite the awesome guest you have there.

[@28tpi]

That was a great interview with Audley Freed. I've been a huge fan of his style ever since I heard him in Cry of Love. Got to see them live in Greenville SC and it was a smokin gig and it blew me away!

[@bryanterry415]

Saw them in Greenville too, when I lived there all those years ago. Great band!

[@PastaPatate]

Great as always thank you!

[@garyeggleton1142]

This man is a legend.....I love this interview

[@bddmhopp5]

Great interview. One of my favorite guitar players.

[@kookooaju]

Audley is one of my favorite guitarists.

[@thomasprice1760]

Been watching and been aware of Audley for years....yeah cool stuff.....

[@chrislestermusic]

Thank you for this. Audley has always been a favorite. I have a ‘65 Deluxe and a ‘68 Gibson SG Special that has custom mini humbuckers in it and man, that is a great rig. I also have a Genz Benz Black Pearl and the black face along with that is amazing.Cool to see Audley’s gear and how similar it is.

[@fiddlix]

What a great interview Zac. Thank you so much. Really humble talented guitarist.

[@robhead22]

Fabulous discussion. Thank you!

[@B1B904]

I first met Audley Freed when he was teaching guitar lessons at Harry's guitar store on the corner of Glenwood avenue. He kind of leaves out living in Raleigh, does mention John Custer though. It was at Harry's that I took the first guitar lessons of my life from him at the time he was teaching me things that didn't seem that important in my youth (but were) but I did learn a lot from him. He's a great guy I saw him backstage at the Christmas jam in Asheville several years later. When I approached him to thank him he seem to remember exactly who I was. A great guy and an awesome guitar player .. other than Mike Gardner one of the best rock guitarist North Carolina as ever produced. It's great to see his success he deserves it and is an extremely talented guitarist . It's always great to see North Carolina boys rocking!

[@joemerchant92]

Saw him for the first time at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta doing the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute show and had no idea who he was but stayed dialed in on him the entire concert. Have been a huge fan ever since.

[@gnawbabygnaw]

It’s inspiring to see Audley use his little finger on his fretting hand as little as it seems. Great interview

[@acousticglue]

Cry of Love hit the radio for me about the time I was laid off and headed to Florida to try live down there. Andrew hit in the gulf and didn't work out but Mississippi had rocking tunes in middle of the night driving. Love the albums.

[@danbaird7414]

The Audley you guys are seeing is the real deal “him”. One of the most generous, straight ahead guys on the planet. Never mind how silly good on guitar. Spider fingers.

[@adammeisterhans4806]

Thanks for this series and especially this episode. What a great player and genuine person.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you for watching. Zac

[@garythompson1199]

Always loved seeing audley playing the magic attic in Myrtle Beach sc when he was in sidewinder. One of the best guitar players in the world.

[@paulneely173]

great work and a great career Bravo sir I believe you should be headed towards the R&R Hall of Fame Hope to still hear more from you ...thank you for your dedication .

[@loubabinga4229]

So great...well done!

[@billmitchell2080]

So many great guitarists, so many that I love. You sir are my all time favourite. Physically cooked more than one copy of brother and diamonds in my cars CD player. Those two albums are two of the absolutely finest in music history.

[@chynnadawl9022]

His demeanor reminds me so much of Jimmy Herring's. Must be a characteristic of greatness! Fantastic interview!

[@danielludlow8960]

This is the first interview I've seen of Audley Freed...Cry of Love is my personal favorite bands of all time....The band came at the right time in my life where I was transitioning from being fatalistic listening to Alice in Chains/Mad Season to the beginning of being able to express myself...Part of my experience in which Cry of Love was a part of.

[@markrandle4368]

nice interview, imagine playing with the dysfunctional Robinson brothers, but having to chance opportunity to play with Jimmy Page. And now with Peter Stroud in the Sheryl Crowe band.

[@tongusgrump2261]

Cry of love great traveling music & Audley is such a sown to earth talent

[@AZFunk]

These are always so awesome!

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you!

[@luteboyslim]

Excellent, as usual! Enjoyed it.... Thanks Zac, and Audley!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome. Zac

[@brettpower6508]

You are the master interviewer Zac been binge watching all these keep them coming!

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you, Brett!!!

[@Oilyhands749]

Wow , just wow , what a lovely gentle genius , truly great musician .Thank you!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are welcome. Zac

[@MoreMeRecording]

Honestly, has to be one of the most underrated pickers out there. I just love this guys vibe~!

[@PeterKeaneMusic]

another excellent interview - thanks much!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome, Peter. Zac

[@chriscasey2770]

Love Audley's playing. What a great guy, too. Thanks for another excellent interview, Zac.

[@TruetoneFX]

My pleasure. Zac