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Remembering Russell Malone: Black Butterfly

By Ian Patterson
August 27, 2024
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Russell Malone (November 8, 1963-August 23, 2024) was a tasteful guitarist of the Wes Montgomery school who made his start in the band of organist Jimmy Smith in 1988. Born in Albany, Georgia, Malone was influenced by the gospel, country and blues that surrounded him. Best known for his 25-year association with Diana Krall, Malone also collaborated with Ray Brown, Gerald Wilson, Ron Carter, Benny Green, Sonny Rollins and a whole host of jazz glitterati. His versatility saw him courted by artists as diverse as Mose Allison, Irish folksters The Chieftains, Macy Gray, Gladys Knight and New York Voices. "I'm very selective about what I do," Malone told All About Jazz in 2016, "but at the same time, I'm always open to new experiences and playing with other people. There's always something you can learn."

But he was much more than a guitar for hire or band member. Beginning with his eponymous debut in 1992, Malone would record fifteen albums as a leader. The title track from Black Butterfly (Columbia, 1993), a typically elegant Duke Ellington composition, shows Malone off at his laid-back and bluesy best. Paul Keller is on bass, Peter Siers on drums and Gary Motley on piano.

Contact Ian Patterson on All About Jazz.
Ian is dedicated to the promotion of jazz and all creative music all over the world, and to catching just a little piece of it for himself.

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