Russell Malone

As a sideman for Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall, Russell Malone has established a fine reputation as one of the best contemporary American jazz guitarists, noted for his nimble fingerwork and the rich sound he produces. Born in Albany, Georgia in 1963, he first picked up a guitar at the age of four and had his first musical experiences in church and listening to his mother's Sam Cooke and Dixie Hummingbirds records. Later, he was hugely influenced by George Benson, who he saw playing on television with Benny Goodman. He largely taught himself to play but is quick to pay tribute to the influence and inspiration drawn from the many musicians and bands he has played with over the years including Benny Green, with whom he established a successful duo and recorded through the 1990s, as well as Ron Carter, Sonny Rollins and Ray Brown. His versatility - including the ability to switch from scorching blues to classic swing to decorative sensitivity made him the sideman of choice for many leading jazz musicians, including Kenny Barron, Wynton Marsalis and Branford Marsalis, while also fronting his own exciting groups, working in a quartet with drumer Willie Jones, bassist Gerald Cannon and pianist Rick Germanson. He has also been a prolific recording artist, much admired for albums like 'Sweet Georgia Peach' (1998), 'Look Who's Here' (2000), 'Heartstrings' (2001), 'Love Looks Good On You' (2015) and 'Time for the Dancers' (2017).

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