Ray Russell
“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. His last album, “Now, More Than Ever” showed his ability to weave and dodge with apparent ease between moods and styles is the same as it ever was and his gift for a melodic riff or phrase just as pleasurable. Ray is now on the cusp of releasing a new album, “Imaginary Conversations”, which contains tributes to his “favourite musicians and friends”, with a “more cerebral collection of themes”. Ray and his band - Jim Watson-keys, George Baldwin-bass & Chapman stick, Ian Palmer-drums and John Thirkell-trumpet - will debut a selection of material from the new album along with other favourites from Ray’s long and storied career! Speaking of which, Ray (and his frequent collaborator Mo Foster) are part of an upcoming documentary feature, “One More Time”, a retrospective of London’s busy session scene of the 50's - 70's. Ray doesn’t play live that often these days, so this is a truly special occasion not to be missed.
“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