The jazz community was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of guitarist Russell Malone last week. Russell was on tour in Japan with bassist Ron Carter and pianist Donald Vega and died after suffering a heart attack at age 60.
Since his death, there has been a great outpouring of remembrances on social media from Russell’s fellow musicians. Russell was kind, thoughtful and he had a great sense of humor.
Known for his brilliant technique and lyrical phrasing, Malone extended the tradition set by Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Kenny Burrell.
In the early 1990s, Malone and vocalist Nnenna Freelon performed an in-studio concert here at CapRadio.
Russell spoke with CapRadio’s Gary G. Vercelli during that visit. He discussed the influence of his guitar heroes and talked about meeting organ giant Jimmy Smith, then joining Smith’s band. He also talked about working in Harry Connick, Jr.’s Big Band.
He then performed duets with bassist Paul Keller and was joined on one song by Nnenna Freelon.
Interview highlights
On the influences of Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell
I was attracted to the sound, first of all. It was nice and full and just real pure. To me, I think it’s very hard to get a sound out of the guitar without effects. I’m not a prude or a purist by any means, but to me that’s what separates the men from the boys. The sound of the guitar. Plus, everything was swinging and the choice of notes was perfect. Everything was perfect about those two players.
On the effectiveness of recording with his working band
Oh, I think that makes all the difference in the world. The first CD that I did was a very adequate first effort, I think, but this one has me and three other guys that I’ve been on the road with for a little over a year now. Playing on the road every night, you develop that musical cohesiveness. Everything gels and you get a little telepathy happening. It works and I’m very proud of the second record.
On working with Harry Connick, Jr. and his big band
One thing that I learned from working with Harry was the importance of being a team player. Prior to that I had spent 2 and a half years with Jimmy Smith, who lives here in Sacramento. Playing with him every night, I got a chance to really stretch out and play.
There was a lot of solo space with the guitar. When I got in Harry’s band a lot of that stopped. When you’ve got 17 other guys in the band there’s not going to be a lot of guitar soloing. So, my job was to sit there and keep time the way that Freddie Green did in the Count Basie Orchestra.
It might have seemed like no big deal to the average person, but it was very important for me to do that. In that respect, I learned how to just lay back, put my ego on the back burner and just play for the group.
