Search - Russell Malone :: Russell Malone

A Great Guitar Debut!

Stuart B. Simpson | Lakewood,Wash. 98439, wa United States | 07/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1992 recording (Russell's first) is great for a few reasons.One,it showcases Russell in a variety of small band contexts with many different styles.The supporting cast are equally talented young lions with elder statesman Milt Hinton on bass(he also wrote the liner notes).Secondly,Russell's technique and familiarity with electric,acoustic,and classical guitars is outstanding!That goes for the other band members as well!What makes me give this a 5 star review more than anything else is the only solo cut(played on classical guitar),"Flowers for Emmett Till".It's spiritual ramifications/socio-political implications leaves one with a sense of heightened humanity.Thanks Russell!Stuart B. Simpson Seattle,Wash."

Eclectic Mix On A Tour De Force Guitar Debut CD

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 12/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was recorded in three separate recording sessions from August '91 thru March of '92 to accommodate the other musicians.Four of the eleven tracks are quartet numbers with Donald Brown on piano, Robert Leslie Hurst III on bass and Yoron Israel on drums. There are three trio cuts with the late Milt Hinton on bass and Shannon Powell on drums, three duo tracks; two with old boss Harry Connick Jr. on piano (both Malone, on vocal, and Connick really seem to enjoy "I Don't Know Eough About You") and one with Milt Hinton and one guitar solo. Russell himself plays electric guitar on 6 tracks, accoustic on four tracks and classical on an original. Two of the selections, "Invisible Colors" and "Flowers For Emmett Till" display some of his compositional skills as well.The program itself covers a broad selection of songs, tempos and styles (see the listing).All said, it's a very listenable cd with Russell Malone's style being comparable to an updated Wes Montgomery with a touch of Kenny Burrell on a pretty ballad. Having acquired and reviewed his cd "Black Butterfly", it's obvious to me that Russell Malone will be a strong guitar presence for years to come!"