Based in North County, FreeMartin plays classic rock, Americana, and original music. David Rees, formerly with local 1980s/1990s band BigFins, and Eric Klein (Cadillac Fringe) have played together for many years. They were joined in 2010 by Kevin Gary (Off the Wagon) and formed an Americana trio driven by 3-part vocals instrumental jams. Eventually drummer Rex was added, and the band played hundreds of shows together in North County. In 2020 Kevin Gary moved to Florida and is no longer in the band.
Rees also creates music and art for games, software and toys. His song “Mac and Cheese” was a finalist in the 2011 International Songwriting Competition, in the children’s music category. Judges included Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, and Ozzy Osbourne.
During the 2020 pandeminc shutdown, the band launched Shelter in Place Sessions features them covering songs like the latterday Monkees track "Me and Magdalena," with the players (Chris Crepps, Pat Morgan, Ty Cox, Dave Rees) playing their parts from remote locations. "It's now my favorite Monkees song," says Rees.