Ray Russell (New Album Preview)
“a fearsomely gifted [guitar] player who relies on taste rather than speed”
BBC Jazz
Ray Russell is a guitarist/composer who has had a truly exceptional career. He is primarily known for his session work - you will have heard his playing on David Bowie’s Space Oddity, Tina Turner’s Private Dancer and numerous other tracks with artists as diverse as Freddie Mercury, Gil Evans and Andy Williams. You will also have heard some of his vast array of award-winning soundtrack compositions, which include the theme tunes to “Bergerac” and “A Touch of Frost”. Though Ray has never been a household name, amongst his fellow musicians and aficionados he is heralded as one of the greats. Tonight's show will focus on music from Ray's upcoming new record, 'Why Wait To Be Invited" as well as the anthology, "Prog Reimagined", and for this he’s put together a top calibre group of superb players: Jim Watson-piano, George Baldwin-bass, Ian Palmer-drums, Charlie Baldwin-synths and special guest, Tim Whitehead (Loose Tubes, Ian Carr’s ‘Nucleus’)-tenor sax. With Ray’s trademark blend of R&B, cool jazz, jazz-rock and jazz fusion this is absolutely a unique gig.
“Russell...a fearsomely gifted [guitar] player who relies on taste rather than speed” BBC Jazz; “Ray Russell...this unusual artist's identity – a fusion of raw R&B...and seductive lyricism” Guardian; “Ray Russell isn't merely a fine jazz player, but a truly original music thinker and an improvisational force to be reckoned with.” All Music Guide
Photo by Christina Jensen