Congenial, clever guitarist Russell Malone has returned with Black Butterfly, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed, chart-topping, self-titled debut album of 1992. In the liner notes to the new album, jazz critic Leonard Feather declares, "Here is an artist... who is destined to make a powerful mark in the evolution of jazz guitar".
Russell Malone was born on November 8, 1963 in Albany, Georgia; his first exposure to music was in the church. "The music is not sophisticated, but there's so much spirit", he explains. Soon guitar was incorporated into the church music and Russell found himself fascinated by it. Before he was five, his mother bought him a toy guitar, and he began copying the church players.
At ten, Russell developed an interest in the blues and country music after seeing musicians such as Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, B.B. King, Son Seals and, especially, George Benson, perform on television.
Ultimately, it was jazz that Russell chose to play. He Became a self-taught player, influenced by such guitarists as B.B. King Wes Montgomery, George Benson and dozens of others whom he discovered through voracious research.
Russell Malone has shared the stage with artists representing a rainbow of musical idioms. They include Patti Austin, Little Anthony, Regina Belle, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Burrell, Clarence Carter etc. He spent two years with master jazz organist Jimmy Smith and has been a part of Columbia label mate Harry Connick Jr's band since 1989.
It was during Russell's tenure in Connick's jazz quartet when Connick introduced him to Columbia Records president Tommy Mottola following a performance in Los Angles. Mottola, a guitar player himself, was impressed with Malone, who soon had a record deal. His debut album for the label, Russell Malone went to #1 on the NAC chart of R&R. Since then, Russell has allocated him time between gigs with his band, writing new music, and recording and touring with Harry Connick Jr.