Recordings

The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project, "Mambo Influenciado"
(Cagoots Records, 2010)

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Listen to Craig Russo talk about Mambo Influenciado on WGLT's Jazz Next Podcast
Click here to listen to the MP3 clip.

Named the August 2010
CD OF THE MONTH
from KUVO (Denver, CO)

This recording, Mambo Influenciado, is about what influences and inspires me. Inside every musician is the unique cumulative experience of what we have heard, where we heard it, who played it, and how it makes us feel. We listen, we learn, and we assimilate. At times, we come by things indirectly or even mysteriously, but often our influences are more obvious. My teachers in Cuba inspired me in profound ways, and I honor them by passionately studying and playing what they shared. By blending their influence with a lifetime of playing and listening to jazz, I aspire to spread their inspiration beyond me.

I also learned a tremendous amount from the musicians on this recording. They have shown a hugely generous spirit in welcoming my ideas and inspiring new creative interpretations. Our music is a broad landscape of creativity and imagination that comes from our past, yet is also very much of the moment.

1. Ugetsu {mp3 clip}
2. Highway One
3. Melodious Funk {mp3 clip}
4. A Time for Love (Piano Intro)
5. A Time for Love
6. The Island
7. Invitation
8. Let Me Count the Ways
9. Mambo Influenciado {mp3 clip}
10. Seven Steps to Heaven
11. La Rumba de Pogo
12. Power of Mind
13. Chip’s Last Word

MUSICIANS:

Chip McNeill – tenor saxophone
Jeff Helgesen – trumpet
John “Chip” Stephens – piano (1-4,5,8,9,10,12)
Joan Hickey – piano (6,7)
Josh Walden – bass
Craig Russo – drums (2,3,5,6,9), congas, güiro, chékere, other percussion, bongo
Jeff Magby – drums (1,7,8,10,12)
Nancy Kelly – vocals (6,7)

Other Recordings As A Leader:

For additional samples or to
buy this CD, click here

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The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project, “In The Middle ”
(Cagoots Records, 2007)

This recording, In the Middle, has special meaning for me.
Being in the middle of such an extraordinary group of musicians has brought my playing and concept of Latin jazz to its next level. These musicians gave much more of themselves beyond what they played on their instruments. Their talent as players,
as well as arrangers and composers, comes through in multiple ways, bringing us the full depth and breadth of their creativity.

The music here comes from the middle of two related, but distinct music cultures, Jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. All of the musicians speak both music languages, and the symbiosis of styles results in compelling Afro-Cuban and Brazilian grooves combined with a thoroughly modern jazz sensibility. The playing here is spirited and adventuresome throughout. Even with the standards, we worked hard to present them with freshness and originality.

This group is based in the middle of the country, in Central Illinois. To some people from other parts of the country, the Midwest may appear to be the middle of nowhere for an artistic/music community. This CD will surely put that misinformed stereotype to rest. This is a grass-roots project that shows that the “where” doesn’t matter, it is the “who”, the people, that make it happen.

- Craig Russo

TRACK LISTING:

1. Pent-up House mp3 clip
2. Dona Maria
3. Arrival mp3 clip
4. Rumble, Young Man, Rumble
5. Butterfly
6. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
7. Chip's Vision mp3 clip
8. A Visit to the Bob
9. Besame Mucho
10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

• Listen to an interview with Craig Russo on WAER, Syracuse, NY (Nov. 18, 2004) - MP3 Stream

For additional samples or to
buy this CD, click here

The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project, “Soul Eyes”
(Cagoots Records, 2004).

1. Sabor mp3 clip
2. Soul Eyes mp3 clip
3. You Stepped Out of a Dream
4. A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
5. Speak No Evil
6. ESP mp3 clip
7. Maiden Voyage
8. Moanin'
9. The Lamp Is Low
   

   Musicians:
   Craig Russo- Drums, Congas, Percussion
   Toby Curtright- Bass
   Jeff Helgesen- Trumpet
   Douglas Little- Alto Saxophone
   Chip McNeill-Tenor Saxophone
   Chris Mahieu- Piano
   Jeff Magby- Drums, Percussion
   Sean Parsons- Piano
   Simon Rowe- Piano

1. Delilah
2. Whisper Not
3. You Go To My Head
4. Stolen Moments
5. Blues On The Corner
6. I Can’t Help It
7. Girl Talk

   Musicians:
   Craig Russo- Drums, Congas, Percussion
   Willie Akins- Tenor Saxophone
   Tim Green- Piano
   Jeff Helgesen- Trumpet
   Jeff Magby- Percussion
   Vern Sielert- Trumpet
   Michael Stryker- Piano
   Willem von Hombracht- Bass
   Josh Walden- Bass

Other Recent Craig Russo Discography As A Sideman:

Sam Crain, “Ooh Bop Sh’ Bang”, (2002).
Razin’ Kane Urban Jazz Project, “Live” (2001).