Jazz Articles about Russell Malone

Russell Malone: Time for the Dancers

by Jack Bowers
August 30, 2017

The flame lit so brightly many years ago by guitarist Wes Montgomery continues to burn with intensity thanks to gifted torch-bearers like Russell Malone whose third album for HighNote Records, Time for the Dancers, not only mirrors Montgomery's singular musical temperament but ushers it into aesthetic realms that would surely have had Wes nodding his approval. Another similarity: Malone's irrepressible charisma shines through on every number, from Roland Hanna's “Time for the Dancers" to Malone's solemn “Flowers ...

Russell Malone: Guitar Master

by R.J. DeLuke
February 29, 2016

"People make too big of a deal about being self taught. Because nobody is completely self taught," ruminates Russell Malone, one of the best loved jazz guitarists by both fans and critics. His sound is full and rich; his fingers fleet,the ideas springing from his head to his hands with speed and dexterity. But the origins of his style and the status he's achieved do not have academic connections. He's learned from people. And not just about music. ...

Russell Malone: Triple Play

by C. Michael Bailey
November 13, 2010

Guitarist Russell Malone has found a durable and receptive home at MAXJAZZ, resulting in three fine recordings: Playground (2004); Live at Jazz Standard, Volume 1 (2006); and Live at Jazz Standard, Volume 2 (2006). He sports an elegant, unpretentious method and a shimmering, round and slightly velvety tone that compliments his considerable abilities. Triple Play is Malone's first trio recording, proving that the best jazz is created in small spaces. Malone's grasp of the blues is beyond ...

Russell Malone Trio at Jazz at the Bistro, St Louis, October 20, 2010

by James Henry Smith
November 11, 2010

Russell Malone TrioJazz at the Bistro SeriesSt Louis, MOOctober 20, 2010 Guitarist Russell Malone returned to the Bistro, somewhat more exposed this time, his guitar in a trio with bass and drums. His companions for this visit were David Wong on acoustic bass and Darrell Green on drums. This session might be best described as an advance release celebration for his newest album Triple Play (MAXJAZZ, 2010) soon due to market. Pre-release copies were ...

Russell Malone: Live at The Jazz Standard, Volume Two

by C. Michael Bailey
October 31, 2007

Jazz was meant to be recorded live on the bandstand. It is spontaneous music ruled by improvisation and invention in real time. There exist precious few bad live jazz recordings. This is a ready indication of the high quality of musicianship jazz requires for proper performance and the necessity of said jazz musicians to think quickly on their feet. MaxJazz has been making it a point to capture its artists in live settings and has done so with unparalleled success, ...

Russell Malone: Live at Jazz Standard, Volume One

by Jim Santella
August 6, 2007

Dedicated to the memories of jazz guitarist Ted Greene and jazz pianist John Hicks, this session features Russell Malone at work in New York with his band during a spirited three-night run at the Jazz Standard in September 2005.

Always one to keep the blues alive in his mainstream jazz programs, Malone communicates eloquently through his guitar with a soft-edged attack that carries vocal-like through the room, as if lyrics were attached to every phrase.

It goes way beyond his ...

Russell Malone: Live At Jazz Standard

by Terrell Kent Holmes
December 16, 2006

Russell Malone played a week-long engagement at Jazz Standard in November, ostensibly to promote the release of this album. Malone was backed on both ventures by the solid rhythm section of bassist Tassili Bond, pianist Martin Bejerano and drummer Johnathan Blake.

A lyrical, inventive guitarist, you can almost see Malone thinking out loud on the bandstand. And once he's formulated his ideas, it's full speed ahead, with dazzling rapid-fire arpeggios and single-note lines punctuated by octaves. He brightened the ...