George Russell
- Type: Classic Bandleader
- Country: United States
- Born: June 23, 1923 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Died: July 27, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Active: 1923 - 2009
Biography
George Russell was a visionary American jazz composer, pianist, and theorist whose 'Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization' provided a foundational framework for modal jazz. First published in 1953, his theories profoundly influenced titans like *Miles Davis* and *John Coltrane*, directly impacting seminal works such as 'Kind of Blue'. Russell's own recordings, including 'The Jazz Workshop' on #RCA Victor# and the sextet masterpieces 'Ezz-thetics' and 'Stratusphunk' for #Riverside#, showcased his complex, yet swinging, compositions. His ambitious large-ensemble works, like 'New York, N.Y.' for #Decca# and later works with his Living Time Orchestra, further cemented his legacy as one of jazz's most important and forward-thinking minds.
Genres
George Russell Discography
- The Jazz Workshop (1957) - Album - rated 3.89/5
- New York N.Y. (1959) - Album - rated 3.91/5
- George Russell Sextet at the Five Spot (1960) - Album - rated 4.03/5
- Stratusphunk (1960) - Album - rated 4.08/5
- Ezz-thetics (1961) - Album - rated 4.1/5
- George Russell Sextet in K.C. (1961) - Album - rated 4.02/5
- The Outer View (1962) - Album - rated 3.89/5
- Othello Ballet Suite / Electronic Organ Sonata No. 1 (1970) - Album - rated 3.61/5
- Electronic Sonata for Souls Loved by Nature (1971) - Album - rated 4.26/5
- Electronic Sonata for Souls Loved by Nature - 1980 (1980) - Album - rated 3.76/5
Members
- George Russell - piano, composer, arranger (1947–2009)
- David Baker - trombone (1960–1962)
- Don Ellis - trumpet (1961–1962)
- Steve Swallow - bass (1961–1962)
- Joe Hunt - drums (1960–1962)
- Eric Dolphy - alto saxophone, bass clarinet (1961–1962)
- Al Kiger - trumpet (1960–1961)
- Dave Young - tenor saxophone (1960–1961)
- Chuck Israels - bass (1960–1961)
- Don Cherry - cornet (1965–1965)
- Jan Garbarek - tenor saxophone (1968–1971)
- Terje Rypdal - guitar (1968–1971)
- Jon Christensen - drums (1968–1971)
- George Russell Septet - Member
- John Pierce - Member
- Steve Swallow - Member
- Joe Hunt - Member
- George Russell - Member
- Orrin Keepnews - Member
- Paul Plummer - Member
- David Baker - Member
- Don Ellis - Member