Quotes for “Circle Without End”

Vintage fusion lives – with a 90s sheen and a 21st-century twist – courtesy of Chicago bass guitarist Frank Russell. He’s funneled an all-star cast of modern Chi-town stars into arrangements as crisp and bracing as a stiff wind off Lake Michigan.

Neil Tesser, Jazz critic and author
 
 
 

Frank’s arranging prowess and versatility on the bass are palpable on this CD! He demonstrates a wide variety of bass playing, from funky slapping, R&B grooving, lyrical fretless and tasteful five-string, Frank is a great player and a great groover. With two solid releases under his belt this dutiful sideman is solidifying his standing as an established solo artist.

Jon Liebman, Noted bass author and player
 
 
 

Frank Russell’s newest release is filled with a wide range of wonderful moments, but the common thread throughout is his mastery and very consistent identity as both accompanist and soloist. Frank’s sound, always musical, changes to fit the variety of moods found on the CD. He is a very lyrical soloist with a fine sense of melody, which makes sense when we hear the quality of his writing. He is also a great groove player, so the guests on the record are all heard to great advantage. This disc is simply a blast, from front to back.

Larry Gray, Jazz bassist
 
 
 

Uncle Miles always said the funkiest bass players were from Chicago with this CD Frank Russell proves him right.

Vince Wilburn Jr. , Drummer and nephew of Miles Davis
 
 
 

Awesome recording.

Orbert Davis, Trumpeter and Artistic Director of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
 
 
 

I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Frank for decades and he is one of the people that simply characterize the electric bass. “Circle Without End” is a pivotal turn in his creativity. The composition and arrangement will prove itself a benchmark for the idiom. It is lush, melodic, full of imagination, and funky as hell. The mixing of Vijay Tellis-Nayak and Dennis Tousana is stellar and this was no simple task considering the rich layers and textures that embody every track. Add the artistic touch of Danny Leake in mastering and you hear a work that will stand the test of time…as an icon. This is one of Chicago’s best jazz albums of the year.

Joe Tortorici, Studio engineer
 
 
 

Frank’s new CD is nothing less than killer!!! It demands your attention from the first track, written by Bobby Irving III. The collection of tunes makes it a well-rounded CD. It displays Frank’s skills as a bassist and a seasoned songwriter. Excellent melodic melodies played with such emotion as displayed on one ballad he wrote for his granddaughter (one of my favorites). OK, ATTENTION CHICAGO BASS PLAYERS!!! There’s a track that features Frank, Darryl “Munch” Jones & Richard Patterson! All I will say about this track is that aside for being smokin…! It was well executed by three Chicago bassist at the top of their game! You can hear the respect they have for one another on this track. NO EGOS HERE! This track alone is worth the purchase TRUST ME! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire CD. I might sound a little biased because Frank is a friend & I’m a fan of his first CD but, I think this CD has something for everyone to enjoy. Frank has definitely stepped it up. Looking forward to see him perform these tunes live.

Ron Hall, In-demand Chicago bass guitarist
 
 
 

Yet another great jazz CD from Chicago Bassist Frank Russell. Great players, great songs and great melodies.

Larry Martin Kimpel, Bassist for Frankie Beverly and Maze
 
 
 

Frank has not only done his homework, but created some homework for musicians like myself, who like challenging bass playing and extremely melodic solos. These original compositions were all very well written with meaning behind each. He also has many great players on this album who contributed songs and solos. The tune “Quick Pix” features Darryl Jones, Richard Patterson and Frank and displays why they are very well received and respected by the tops in the industry. If you like the group SMV, you will LOVE this tune because it celebrates masterful bass guitar playing and how they can complement each other on the same tune. Otherwise, no complaints on a very creative effort by bassist, vocalist, composer, producer, arranger, and pretty decent guy Frank Russell. This one stays in the car CD carousel until the next one comes out!!

Mike Sterling, Bass Guitarist
 
 
 

Killer CD!!! Lots of feel and beautiful compositions. I need some of what Frank has been having.

Josh Ramos, Bassist for Ramsey Lewis
 
 
 

I love this CD!! Great tunes, marvelous playing! I know about the hard work it took to produce!

Jeff Brown, Educator and drummer
 
 
 

A masterful job of integrating his prodigious bass chops with strong compositions and wonderfully lyrical melodies. AND he’s secure enough to “share the stage” with other masterful musicians (even bassists) for the betterment of the project. This is one impressive album…Period. Not just for bass fiends (like me), but anyone and everyone with a sense for quality, beautifully executed, all-encompassing jazz music.

Duane McClendon, Bass player and childhood friend
 
 
 

I just downloaded Frank Russell’s Circle Without End From iTunes. I must say that, me being from the original “School of Jazz Fusion”, this is without a doubt reminiscent of what was going down in the mid 70″s to mid 80′s. Some of the best Jazz /Fusion (and music in general) was recorded during that era & Frank has truly captured the essence of that genre without comprise or sounding dated. Excellent production & quality musicians with a great mix. Makes me want to pick up my Bass & play along (sooner or later)…Frank, you nailed it!!! Not a review but a testimony

Grant Austin, Bassist with Theresa Griffin
 
 
 

Frank’s CD is off the chain!! Support this brother and buy his CD it is Awesome!! And when Grammy time comes around vote for Frank’s. Much Love!!

Tony Mhoon, Bassist
 
 
 

Finally bought Frank Russell’s new CD! Yes Frank I dropped some ducats!! Great to see somebody from back in the day still playing like there’s no tomorrow!! We came up in the ranks from the Jazz Bulls days. Everybody had to play or go home and Frank showed how it should be done!! Killin’ Frank!!

Wally Hustin, Bassist
 
 
 

Love the writing and performances and the musicians on this project. It is a very mature sound…and fresh.

Lonnie Plaxico, Acclaimed Grammy award winning bassist
 
 
 

I just finished listening to Frank Russell’s latest CD “Circle Without End” and it was an enjoyable experience. It is a difficult task to produce a CD that features bass (an instrument generally thought of as support for the harmonic structure of western music.) Frank thoughtfully and carefully presents his virtuosity and creativity in a way that engages and entertains, but ultimately, I was impressed because the great bassist I’ve known for many years allowed me to know him personally. It’s rare to find a bassist with the ability to personalize the music to the extent that Frank has. I really hear his heart in the music.

Great Job Frank.

Here’s To Life,

Larry Hanks