What friends, colleagues, musicians and jazz enthusiasts are saying about Influences . . . 

“This project is a labor of love to Frank’s bass guitar influences in jazz. The music on the record is filled with creativity and chance taking. All traits that Frank and my favorite bass heroes displayed in their playing”.   

Rolling Stones bassist, Darryl Jones

 

“Frank is one of the foremost electric bassists in the greater Chicago-land area. A sense of wonder permeates his new recording as he’s really tapped into something on his release “Influences”. Frank has seemingly brought the e-Bass out of the murky shadows and into the forefront for what promises to be a phantasmagorical listening extravaganza. Though this record may be a reverential documentation of Frank’s bass-hero influences, don’t be fooled…he’s doing some ‘influencing’ of his own”!

Clark Sommers – Bassist (Kurt Elling)

 

The Bass is the defining foundation of all music and harmony. Frank Russell is widely respected and established as one who commands the instrument with fluidity while providing solid anchoring. With the release of “Influences”, however, Russell expands his skill sets into the areas of creative conceptualist, consummate executive producer, and intuitive project producer as the orchestrator and builder of a musical metropolis cleverly masked as a CD,

Frank methodically built his structure on the same solid ground from which he, himself sprouted; as a prominent branch from the roots of seminal jazz electric bassists whom he ingeniously pays homage to. Secondly, as a leader and visionary. Frank instinctively built a strong and experienced team of creative collaborators whom he enabled to masterfully seize his emissaries of a previously under-appreciated instrument in Jazz: The Electric Bass. I am honored to have been a part of his team and proud that this amazing project carries the label imprint of Sonic Portraits.” 

Robert Irving III – Pianist /Composer / Arranger 

 

Check out Chicago electric bass guitarist, Frank Russell on his latest CD release “Influences!” High level performances,  under the creatively unique and extremely capable leadership of my long time friend.  The next stream in jazz, funk & fusion!
Buddy Fambro – Guitarist 

 

“Hip arrangement, trap vibe nice. Bass sounds great”

Jeff Tain Watts – Drummer

 

Frank Russell and I have known and played together for so long, it is harder to remember a time when we weren’t around each other.  It is because of this, that I can see the long-term growth that Frank has made as a musician and a man.  He truly was back then and is right now fueled by his love for music of all genres.  He and I both have this love in common.  Which brings me to Frank’s latest recording, “Influences.”  As musicians, we are all standing on the shoulders of the great artists who came before us. I take great joy in hearing Frank pay homage to the electric bassists who influenced and inspired him to play music. The songs Frank selected, and the arrangements of them are very unique and engaging, as well as the original compositions. I can honestly say that it’s because they are
groovin’ HARD!  One of the main assets that Frank has developed is his highly melodic style. He sings the melodies when he plays, and that comes out in the music. I was honored to play on “Actual Proof”, “Decoy”, and “Tutu”, but Frank’s tribute to Ladysmith, “Bright Sized Life”, “Rosalind’s Dream” and “Influences” are also among my favorites and stay at the top of my playlist.  And if you like Fusion, Frank has got that covered too.  The searing guitar lines of Marco Villarreal, the jagged saxophone lines of Tim McNamara, the angular piano lines of Vijay Tellis-Nayak, and the muscular drums of Charles Heath are all a testament to what a great band sounds like. Along with the guest appearances of Wallace Roney, Robert Irving III, Dee Alexander, Greg Spero, and Khari Parker, I would say that this recording of Frank Russell and his band is another milestone in his career.  His fan base should double when they hear this CD, because he is clearly grooving on all cylinders! If you don’t have it, what are you waiting on?
Henry Johnson – Guitarist

 

Welcome to a great listen and to a marvelous CD.  This CD shows a lifetime of dedication, study and love that Frank has put into the art of playing the electric bass.  A few years ago, Frank came up with the idea of honoring the electric bass and some of its finest players and now he has committed the idea to disc.  Being one of the masters of the instrument himself, he has what it takes pull his vision off.  Having chosen A list players and arrangers to help bring this project to fruition, Frank has turned out a first-rate CD. I encourage the listeners to sit back and enjoy.

 Billy Foster – Pianist / Composer / Educator

 

“Jazz emanates from the blues, which emanates from the field songs of black slaves. It is a music that comes out of suffering, but is idiom equally based in hope. Improvisation is taking what we are given, our lot in life, and making it better. Taking despair, and creating joy. Being chained and shackled, yet being free. Black people have had to improvise – figuratively and literally – to survive centuries of oppression. From the sweltering fields of plantations to the swinging streets of New Orleans, improvisation is the essence of jazz, an essence that runs though Frank’s soul, allowing him to transform the simplest modulation into ear-catching, heart-warming art. He does this through brilliant mastery of technique, but more importantly, through boundless heart and soul. Not surprisingly, Frank is a serial listener (and hence a wicked impersonator!). He is able to transform compositions of any genre into unique, soul-lifting experiences. With his new album, “Influences,” Frank rises to higher ground. By going backward, he moves forward. By acknowledging masters, he creates his own mastery – taking standards as well as his own compositions into wonderful new directions. Frank provides us what is surely a Grammy-winning recording, and with it, will influence other great musicians just beginning to understand what jazz is, and why it is”

Quintin Primo III –  Pianist

 

I’ve been feeling a lot of love for #Chicago lately. So many incredible musicians, mostly less recognized for their talents than they deserve. I’ve been excited lately to see some of my peers, like Makaya McCraven and Marquis Hill, getting recognition for the talent that we all honed in playing local clubs and restaurants years ago. Today, I’d like to give the most heartfelt shoutout to one of the staples of the Chicago scene, someone who we all played with as we were coming up, Mr. Frank Russell. I remember years ago, when I first got back to Chicago from university, Frank would tolerate me setting up 3 synthesizers to play his gig on the tiny stages in local Chicago clubs. He helped me cut my chops and develop my own sound in my early years, through exploration and experimentation night after night.

Frank just released a very strong album called “Influences” in which he pays homage to some of the great artists whose sound played a role in his development, like Herbie Hancock and Stanley Clarke, and which features some of my own arrangements and compositions. Frank just got the cover of Chicago Jazz Magazine, and deserves all the accolades he’s receiving and then some. Thank you Franky for playing a role in my development in our little Chi town, and hopefully this is only the beginning of the recognition you’ll receive for your uniquely high-energy, hard-grooving sound.

Greg Spero – Chicago Composer / Keyboardist 

 

I have had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s greatest jazz bassists and Influences, firmly places Frank Russell on this very short and prestigious list.  This recording, both artistically and sonically is on the level of any major label release.  Frank has assembled the finest musicians in Chicago and all of them turn in inspiring, highly motivated performances.  As a bassist, Frank displays his virtuosic skills on lead, fretless and 5 string electric bass.   The diverse track listing includes arrangements of well-known compositions from other renown bassists all of which are re-worked and re-imagined.   The original material showcases Frank’s composition ability, in particular, Rosalind’s Dream (a tribute to his wife) is a work of art.  This man has chops – and is adept at all styles of music with huge grooves and soaring solos. Of particular interest is Frank’s talent and ability to comp behind melodies and solos.  Influences is one of the best recordings to emanate out of Chicago in recent years, and proves Frank Russell is indeed one of the greatest bassists not only in the city of Chicago, but in the world! 

Kent Anderson – Record Executive / Producer / Bassist

 

Frank is a longtime friend and I was excited to hear of his solo record debut. He draws on all of the positive elements of the Chicago music scene without falling into any local limitations. The tracks groove heavily with the assistance of his solid bass lines. The arrangements are fresh and well chosen to highlight his inventive melodic approach and lyrical solos. He references the soulfulness of the blues along with the edge of the urban landscape both of which we were lucky enough to have as our part developmental proving ground. I’m delighted but not surprised by this stellar effort from Frank. I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next! 

Darryl Jones, Bass player for the Rolling Stones

 

Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Darryl Jones are known as the greatest bass player on the planet. With your debut release you have joined their ranks in all areas except mass notoriety, which is forthcoming as long as you keep on covering all “bassist.” By focusing your prowess as a composer (music painter) and interpreter of other works, you have created the perfect vehicle to contextually express your special brand of lyricism and melodic sensitivity juxtaposed with raw “groove-ology” and well-informed swing. I don’t envy your challenge to out do yourself on the next CD; nevertheless I am confident that you will make sure that you are “Covering All Basses.” 

Robert Irving III, Musical Director / Keyboardist for Miles Davis

I first played with Frank back in the early ’90’s at the Jazz Bulls in Lincoln park with the jazz-fusion band Symbia. I distinctly remember at that point that I had never played with a bass player like Frank who could groove as hard as he does but also solo with such fierce intensity, chops and soulfulness. Frank is absolutely one of a kind.  Frank is THE example of what every working musician knows.. Chicago is the birthplace for most of the baddest rhythm section players in the world.   I have played hundreds of gigs with Frank through the years since that first gig at the Jazz Bulls and have witnessed first hand why people are responding so favorably to his new tour-de-force of a record, ‘Influences.’ 

One could argue that my unbridled endorsement of Frank, his musicianship and who he is as a close friend is biased, If that’s the case, please compare Franks record with ANY of your favorite jazz-fusion recordings. Witness him and his band performing this incredible music live, I’m confident you will be blown away.   Fortunately for me, I saw the the creative process and production of ‘Influences’ first hand and up close at Transient Sound Recording Studio. Vijay Tellis-Nayak is my esteemed partner and co-owner at Transient Sound.  Vijay co-produced, engineered, arranged and played on a majority of these tracks. I am beyond proud of the work that has been created here by both Frank and Vijay AND last but not least, the stellar cast of musicians involved in this project!   That the spotlight is wisely shared with these collaborators only further proves how truly worthy Frank is of the success this accomplishment most certainly should bring his way. 

Steve Gillis – Drummer 

Frank Russell’s most recent release “Influences” is a musical tour de force.  Virtuosity, Soul, and Taste are just a few words that come to mind when describing this fantastic work.  Frank definitely ranks up there among the greats of modern electric bass. 

Marco Villarreal  – Guitarist

Man- I’m listening to it right now – Killing!!!  What a wonderful chronicle of the instrument in jazz , and you’re playing your butt off!!  Also love the bass sound.

Lorin Cohen – Bassist

 

When Frank asked me to write a few lines about his new CD, there was no hesitation. Then he sent me the mixes for “Influences.”  How do I summarize this in “a few lines?” How do I celebrate a milestone in Frank’s art and not write a book?

A true mark of the recording art is to inspire an experience. The great musical collections of our time demand you listen to the “whole”, and so it is here. I could walk you through each track and share my impressions. No, not with this CD, though I have my favorites.  From the opening track, “Decoy” by Bobby Irving, you will be drawn in. “Rosalind’s Dreams” made me stop and replay. A sense of purpose to the theme of inspiration can be heard in “Bright Size Life” (Metheny) and “Quiet Afternoon” (Clarke). On and on.  The artists I admire most, the ones that endure over the decades, are forever breaking new ground. Their last project is always an introduction to the next evolutionary step. “Influences” is the next plateau, the new benchmark in a storied career. It is a testament to the imagination, skill, and technical prowess of Frank and the group of talented people that join him. It’s lush, multi-layered, orchestral, joyful music. It’s a journey. 

Joe Tortorici – Engineer

An outstanding CD, congratulations! Great playing, tight writing, nice variety of moods and textures. I wish you every success with this record, it will be well deserved! There is also a healthy balance between uncompromising blowing on some tracks and more palatable approach on others; it should be attractive to the hard-core fusion fans, but also have commercial appeal to the more mellow-minded crowd. Finally, excellent production and CD design. It’s obvious that you poured a lot of energy, heart and thinking into this project. Go Frank!

Zvonimir Tot – Jazz Guitarist

 

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

 

The CD sounds great, Very cool compositions. I really enjoy the vocals on them. Nice big fat harmonies, I like the envelope filter on the bass in contrast to the other basses. It gives it a lyrical horn kind of a voice.

Bob Baglione – Guitarist

 

I’ve enjoyed the CD. Frank’s groove and lead playing are smoking and the band is super tight. Really soulful writing and I especially like the tune Frank wrote for his granddaughter.

Ryan Cohen – Pianist

 

I was humming a tune the other day when I realized it was the tune Frank wrote called Desi In Sedona on the CD. The sign of a great tune.

Norm Stockton – Bassist

 

What a wonderful CD. Frank brought this one on home.

Jimmy Allen – Bassist

 

When you play an instrument your notes have to matter. Not to take over a song but to enhance the song and show a oneness therewith. This is how Frank Russell plays. He has found the subtle balance between flexing and chilling. A lot of musicians can make a special note of this.

Theodore McClendon – Singer and radio personality

 

Frank Russell’s CD Circle Without End is the real deal. Congrats Frank!

Jim Tullio – Legendary Grammy & Emmy award winning producer, engineer and musician

 

Frank’s music is felt from his heart to ours. It is a blessing to those who can hear him all over the world! Thumbs up Frank!!!

Wayne Gray – Keyboardist

 

Frank’s music paints a tapestry of colors that can only be described as magnificent!!!

David Williams – bassist

 

The CD is truly a gem. The tunes you wrote are beautiful. your tone is sweet, mellow and full. The bass lines whether background or solos are lyrical and singing. The passion is there, the technique is breath taking. What else can one ask for? I truly hope this CD will take you where you need to be, that is at the top!

Cecile Savage Bassist

 

I lOVE the CD!!!!!! And I listen to lotsssssss of music… it’s beautiful and so well done. What a great demonstration of your artistry and choices!!! Very heartfelt and great musicianship and so interesting and well put together. Again…I love it!

Alain Quinn Singer

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *