PERCUSSIONIST
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The best of both worlds when Latin
meets jazz! The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project is a fresh mix of outstanding
jazz soloists, rich, Afro-Cuban inspired rhythms, and unique arrangements of
jazz standards.
Check out the newest CD, "In the Middle" (Cagoots Records, 2007). Latin Beat
Magazine says "(In the Middle) "explore(s) unlimited creative possibilities that
fuse Afro-Caribbean rhythms with modern jazz sensibilities and masterful
arrangements".
Featuring:
Craig Russo (Drums,Congas) - A Latin percussionist and drumset artist
with a strong interest in Afro-Cuban music, Craig has traveled to Cuba to study
with world-reknown percussionists such as Enrique Pla', Jose Eladio, and Roberto
Vizcaino. He also has 20 years of experience playing mainstream jazz with
various groups in the Midwest and East Coast.
Chip McNeill (Tenor Saxophone) - Chip is nationally recognized as both
performer and educator, especially through long associations with Maynard
Ferguson and Arturo Sandoval. Chip is currently Chairman of Jazz Studies at
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
Chip Stephens(Piano) - Chip is internationally recognized pianist with
strong roots in both Latin music and jazz. Chip has performed or recorded with
Arturo Sandoval, Michael Brecker, Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Watson and a host of
other world-class musicians. He currently teaches at U of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign.
Jeff Helgesen (trumpet)- Jeff is former featured trumpet player with the
Ray Charles Orchestra, and is one of the most respected and in-demand musicians
in Central Illinois. He now teaches and leads several ensembles of his own, as
well freelances as a studio musician and clinician.
Tito Carrillo(trumpet)- - Trumpeter and educator, Tito Carrillo has been
a fixture in the Chicago jazz and Latin music scene. since 1996. The list of
artists he has performed, recorded and toured with includes jazz greats Kurt
Elling and Toshiko Akiyoshi; big bands such a Woody Herman and Smithsonian
Masterworks Orchestra and Latin music legends Tito Puente and Paquito D’Rivera.
He currently teaches at U of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Josh Walden (Bass) - Recently returned from several years in Los Angeles,
Josh Walden is one of the most versatile and respected bass players in the
region. He works regularly on a wide variety of groups including Latin, funk,
and straight-ahead jazz.
Jeff Magby (Drums, Congas) - Jeff is one of the region's most in-demand
musicians. Jeff lives in Urbana, IL, where he maintains a busy schedule teaching
and performing a wide variety of music styles.
Other musicians that have appeared or recorded with The Craig Russo Latin Jazz
Project include:
Tito Carrillo, Carlos Vega, Tim Brickner, Ricardo Flores, Tim Green, Jeff
Helgesen, Douglas Little, Simon Rowe, and Glenn Wilson.
THE CRAIG RUSSO LATIN JAZZ PROJECT - IN THE MIDDLE (2008)
The music comes from the middle of two related, but distinct music cultures: jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. The symbiosis of styles results in a fresh mixture of modern jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms
Chip McNeill – tenor saxophone (1-3, 6-10), soprano saxophone (4,5)
Tito Carrillo – trumpet (2, 7-10)
Jeff Helgesen – trumpet (1, 3-6)
Chip Stephens – piano
Josh Walden – bass
Craig Russo - drums (2,5,6,9,10),
congas (1-5,7-10), güiro, chékere, other percussion (1,3-10) bongo (6)
Jeff Magby – drums (1,3,4,7,8), congas
(6), timbales (1,4)
Ricardo Flores – Brazilian percussion
on Doña Maria (2)
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
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
THE CRAIG RUSSO LATIN JAZZ PROJECT - SOUL EYES (2004)
A fresh mix of outstanding jazz soloists, rich, Afro-Cuban inspired grooves and unique arrangements of jazz standards. It's the best of both worlds when Latin meets jazz
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
