Quotes for “Covering All Basses”

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!

Stanley Clarke, Brian Bromberg, Gerald Veasley: Is there something special about bassist that make them great leaders for smooth jazz records? Consider adding Chicago’s Frank Russell to that list. Russell’s tasteful, horn- like solos, played on fretted and fretless basses, sing over his thick groves. The vibe is smooth, and the playing is anything but boring”

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.”

Frank Russell, master bassist and master bandleader, continues to impress this writer with his leadership and outright ability to front a contemporary jazz band with his varied array of guitars. He also demonstrates his intelligence evident by the ace band mates he surrounds himself with. On this evening, he assembled a top notch group of Chicago musicians who are leaders in their own right. It’s amazing how Russell is capable of producing such different sounds with his arsenal of string instruments.

Frank Russell really lives-up to the title of this very first CD “Covering All Basses” recently released under his name. Russell is the Hammond Bishop Noll High alum (’75) who has become a critically acclaimed bassist. Russell does literally cover all basses-acoustics, fretless and 4 and 5 string electric instruments while moving with ease (covering all basses) thru traditional, urban and Latin jazz arrangement. His sensational work on 5 string electric bass compares to that of a guitarist to the point of being superb and that reveals a fluid creativity not commonly found among most bass players.

Jazz radio programmers, here you have a gem, The CD, “Covering All Basses,” is an excellent collection of warm contemporary jazz comparable in tone to acoustic jazz. Frank Russell is one of the greatest of a generation of Chicago electric bass players. On his light years overdue debut recording Frank has created an album of the real deal Chicago-style contemporary jazz. Frank plays in the pocket, on time, push to groove, magnificent tone electric bass. For the complete Frank Russell experience, see him live, he is one of the escapees from Monster Bass Island.