I've made a few changes recently, most importantly getting Greg Lyon to play electric bass. I know you'd think acoustic bass would be more appropriate, but Greg's incredible musicianship and versatility are unbeatable. Scott Hills on drums and young giant Matt Smith on guitar - they're all really dedicated to my quirky music and they make it sound fabulous. Very grateful...
But no less grateful to previous members:
Bass - Jack Thorncraft / Thierry Fossemalle;
Drums - Dave Sanders;
Guitar - Jim Kelly;
Sax: -Tony Buchanan / Dave Ades / Shaston King;
Influenze
Oscar, Errol, George and Dave, Hank and Tommy, Red and Wynton, Bill, Thelonius, Chick and Herbie, Miles and Trane and Cannonball - the usual suspects... then Larry and Lee, Michael, rest his soul, and Randy, and Don Grolnick! Ray Charles, George Benson, evrything on the radio from about 1968 till 1980 something...
Stephen comes from a family of gifted musicians. He received a thorough classical training, and has been performing since the age of five.
He has twenty five years of extensive sideman experience with international jazz artists such as James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Richie Cole, Chuck Findlay, Georgie Fame, Gerry Mulligan and Nancy Williams, contemporary Australian musicians Mark Simmonds, Bernie McGann, Jim Kelly, Bob Gebert, Tommy Emmanuel and Roger Frampton, and Australian jazz icons Don Burrows and George Golla. He also has considerable experience in most contemporary styles of music, and recording experience ranging from a plethora of TV and radio jingles to contemporary jazz discs like Jim Kelly's "Salient Points," the Baartz Freeman Sextet's "Southeast", Sharny Russell's "A Good Thing On Hold", and "Transit Lounge" with blues artist Ross Ward. He also composes original music for improvisation, featured on his CD, "When The Light Comes".
Stephen was for several years musical director of the highly acclaimed (and greatly employed) Brisbane jazz outfit, Leah Cotterell and Bebopera. The Steve Russell Trio was engaged weekly for two years at the Jazz'n'Blues Bar at the Brisbane City Travelodge, and his jazz/fusion quintet, Real Time, featuring Tony Buchanan, drew consistently large audiences.
He was for two years Associate Lecturer and for one Acting Coordinator of the Jazz and Popular Music strand of the Bachelor of Arts, Music, program at the Queensland University of Technology, and is presently teaching piano and ensemble studies in the Bachelor of Arts at Southern Cross University.
Stephen's 2001 debut as a conductor for White Dove's critically acclaimed production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," has led to further invitations to conduct orchestras in the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales, and his performances with the hugely successful Women In Voice in 2001, 2003 and 2004 have enhanced his reputation as an accompanist.
2001 also saw Steve dust off his vocal chords and develop a repertoire of his favorite jazz standards and R&B songs. Busy this year with the reunion of acclaimed Sydney fusion band, 'Crossfire', Steve is also presently performing with Northern Rivers local luminaries such as Leigh Carriage, Jack Thorncraft and Jim Kelly, working as Musical Director for singer Grace Knight, writing new repertoire for his own quintet, while continuing to develop his skills as a teacher.
Hey Steve.. just bought a copy of Jo Jos' album at the Blue Birdy in Byron. what a pleasure to hear you play again.. I love Hallelujah, your accompaniment is very special and moving, love that track. Could you send me your phone contacts to my email.. cheers and great playing Steve. love ya mate!
I amlooking into online college classes. me and amy dont talk much at all. i wish we did though. i miss the good times. but not everything lasts forever i guess. even if you try to make it last. but yeah. i have been working. that about it. nothing new or exciting really. but i got to go. i talk to you later.
Hey!! It James! How is everything? i have never talked to you on the computer before but they cut my hours back at work. So i got extra time. so yeah. i just wanted to say hi. hopefully i will hear from u
Hi brother. Lovely msg (very open & honest for all to see) from darling Amy. What a relief for you. She's fine - she's an amazing person having a hiccup for a short season. She's wise deep down - obviously. You've done well, considering distance limitations. We can be so proud of all our kids. Considering what they've had as parents! :) Thanks for great gig. Will post Amy that pic of you playing her Anthem. Love you x S
hi daddy... im so sorry... i couldnt answer last night becuase i was at work.. i work third shift from 10 pm to 7 am at walmart... but this past month has been so crazy for me... i dont even know what to say about it... i've been to ashamed to check my voicemails from you, or to call you back. i feel like a disappointment and i had it in my head that i didn't want to call you or mum until i was sure i was situated... well, i am now. i ahve a job and a place to stay and i went home yesterday and started packing all my stuff in boxes... i hurt mum and you a lot by doing this and im so sorry... i didn't mean to.. but im ok now. things are working out. and i cant express how sorry i am that i've hurt so many people and done so many bad things to get to the point that im happy again.. i never meant to hurt anyone.... i love you dad
Hey dad. Could you do me a huge favour and tell everyone about this? this is huge news for the band. If we get on this, we'll be playing in front of thousands of people! please spread the word and tell everyone to vote. thank you very mucho. Love, Julian. CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
Online!
