Great songwriting, all the late 60's bands, Hendrix, Beatles etc. Osibisa, Fela Kuti, King Sunny, Santana, Jimmy Smith, Tower of Power, Freddy Johnston. Steve Earl. Bob Marley, Morphine. Miles
My favorite drummers: Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Charlie Watts, Ringo, John Bonham, Tony Williams, Art Blakley, Carlton Barrett, Gene Krupa, David Garibaldi, Grady Tate. Max Roach, all of James Brown's drummers and of course Zigaboo.
The list could go on forever, all and all there are so many great players out there that just lay it down and make the music feel good!!!!!!
Known mainly in the past nine years for his tours, recordings with Trey Anaststsio. From Trey's first solo outing to the live Plasma CD and the 2007 all instrumental CD The Horseshoe Curve. Russ brought his grooves in to get some writing credit on the classic songs First Tube, Sand and Gotta Jibbo to name a few. One of the many highlights with the Trey Band was to play Bonnoroo, Austin City Limits, Red Rocks and have Carlos Santana play with the Trey Band at The Warfield in San Fransico and to have the show available on DVD.
Of course Russ's past run deeper that the past nine years. Working with Lofty Amao from the band Osibisa. With his American version of Zzebra starting the band in Vermont the moving to LA
Playing Afro Beat with strong melody. This music still holds up today and was ahead of it's to for America.
Russ also spent many years on the original rock scene in Boston first with Little Sister a outfit Steve Morse from the Boston Globe called a cross between The Band and Squeeze. After a lead singer change Merrie Amsterburg joined forces to form The Natives. Strong, melodic songs that captured the attention of diverse fans from Kiss's Gene Simmons to producers Mike Denneen.
Also known for his songwrting Russ played for many years with fellow Little Sister- Natives bass player bandmate Mike( Squid) Rush in there band Rhythmo Loco featuring Russ and Mike out front on guitar. Recording there CD" All Time Low".
After reconnecting with his Burlington, Vt friend Gordon Stone, Russ toured and recorded with him for four years.
Russ now keeps busy as a independent drummer, touring, recording and teaching. Playing live dates with Strangefolk, Keith Lewis, The Grippo Funk Band and Honeywell to name a few.
RUSS IS AVAILABLE FOR: LIVE DATES, TOURS, STUDIO AND LESSONS
Russ, hello. I wanted to give you a pic of my little one, she is just 6 days old. I also wanted to thank you again, so much, for the few sessions we had. it has made the world of difference to my playing, which has in turn made me so happy. when things get settled down with the baby, and my paycheck gets more steady, i will definitely get ahold of you to start sessions back up if you'll have me. thanks again, and take care! -jack brand (and Calista)
Hi Russ, thanks for the add as your friend. Looks like you are busy and wow the pic with Hillary & Obama, NICE! Please check out my Aunt & Uncle, Patti Fay & Slim Mims on youtube, from their TV show in the 1970s! This was a great moment for me to see them in action, they were the real deal and so country.
Hey Russ Love:) Sad to have missed the show and hangtime with ya..ALL great reports back OF COURSE! Wasn't in the cards for me this time..next time I'll have to be on double time! hahaha..Hope you are well..love to your fam.
