The group was originally formed as a pick-up band to perform at a Milford Mill High School dance in 1975. They called themselves Full Moon. Getting together for the gig were Dave Jacobson (lead guitar), Howard Markman (rhythm), Tony DeFontes (bass ex-Jake), and Art Steinhorn (drums). The group worked so well together that they continued to play together as a band. They became known as Milton Freewater and soon became a favorite throughout the Baltimore / Washington area.
After a couple months vocalist Bonnie Wilner joined the group.
Keyboard player Jim Orr joined the band in 1977. DeFontes later left the group and went on to play in Cowboy Jazz. He was replaced with bassist Doug Percival.
A few personnel changes took place in the late ‘70s with the band becoming known as Freewater in November 1978. Sharon Gnatt replaced Orr on keyboards, and later drummers included Jerry Carraway, and Ira Katz (ex-No Mercy). Lead vocalists included Ned Solomon… Road crew included Zef Millman (road manager), and Higgy (lights, sound).
Freewater played what they termed “country rock and roll” at Toni’s Dream (Reisterstown), Hanratty’s, Orient Express, Electric Circus in Towson, the Amber Room, Apples, Goucher College, Fred & Sulley’s in Wheaton, Desperado’s in D.C., and the Famous Ballroom appearing on many double bills with bands including the James Cotton Blues Band, Nighthawks…
Freewater was voted Baltimore’s #1 Country Rock Band in the City Paper Reader Poll for the year 1978. Their manager was Tom Myers, and soundman Randy Siegmeister (of Maryland Sound).
An April 1979 outdoor concert in College Park drew over 2,000 fans. They performed at the annual Hopkins Fair in May 1979… Baltimore Super Jam ‘79 with the Paradise Pickers, Trigger Happy, and No Mercy… Under The Stars Concert at UMAB ‘79… Appeared on the TV program “Two’s Company” on July 20, 1979.
Freewater recorded at JRB Studios in Bethesda and released a self-produced single in 1980 titled “Rock Me, Roll Me” b/w “Love the Night Away”.
Jacobson continued performing locally in the ‘00s with groups including the Third Degree, while also teaching guitar at the Music Go Round in Cockeysville. Markman continued to perform with numerous bands including Extra Extra, Industrial Dance Band, TV Pals, disappear fear, and the Persuaders. He released his first solo album (CD) “Symptom Recital” (A Wing and a Prayer) in 1998. Tony DeFontes went on to play bass guitar with Mambo Combo, Cowboy Jazz, Gypsy Dawg, and the Patti Sullivan group. He passed away in September 1997. Orr went on to play with the Persuaders, and the Rich Chorne Band. Katz and Wilner were both later with Used Parts. Percival played bass and worked as sound technician for various bands. After a long hiatus from music he began playing again in the ‘00s with the D.C. based roots-rock band the U-Liners. Steinhorn was later with Swing Central…
1980 (no label) Rock Me, Roll Me / Love the Night Away
