Biography/Projects
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Biography
Russ is also active as an educator/clinician, having taught at colleges and universities across the U.S. and in Europe. He is currently teaching at The Center for Preparatory Studies in Music (CPSM) at Queens College, and is a member of the faculty at the Maine Jazz Camp. His new recording, Save Big has recently been released on the OmniTone label to enthusiastic reviews. It is available online at OmniTone and amazon.com, as well as at Tower Records and other jazz outlets. Russ Johnson is an Endorsing Artist for New York Trumpet Company, and plays NYTC by Possegger Bb trumpet exclusively. ProjectsSave BigSave Big features John O'Gallagher on alto saxophone, Kermit Driscoll on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. The music for the recording on OmniTone Records was mostly written in a 4 day period, with these specific players in mind. The goal behind the project is to create a book of tunes based on motifs, vamps, and grooves that give these great improvisers and composers a platform to begin the improvisation process. The open structures allow different harmonic, rhythmic, and textural approaches to the tunes each time they are performed. For much more detailed info on Save Big, including liner notes and an interview conducted by Frank Tafuri, please visit omnitone.com/savebig. The Other QuartetThe Other Quartet was created in 1996 by Ohad Talmor and Russ Johnson and has pushed its way to the forefront of New York's creative jazz scene. It has created its individual sound by synthesizing varied musical genres in one unique style. Whether grooving on a funk vamp, interpreting commissioned works by leading contemporary composers or performing their stylized originals, The Other Quartet commands the attention of a vast musical audience. Never afraid to step into new musical terrain, explore new soundscapes, lines and textures, the band leaves no stone unturned as they carve their own niche in today's music scene. TOQ has toured extensively throuhout the US and Europe. The Other Quartet's first release, 13 Pieces (KFR 262) has received raving acclaim from both the general public and critics alike. The recording features seven original pieces, three adapted classical pieces and three short free sonic explorations. The Other Quartet's second release, Sound Stains (KFR 297 ) establishes the group's sound even further. Rump-shaking grooves, rhythmically intricate originals, trance-like chamber pieces and a brand new work by vanguard classical composer Ludmila Ulelha make for a death defying sonic experience. Russ Johnson – Trumpet
New MathFeatures Mick Rossi, an amazing pianist, percussionist and composer. Mick currently tours as a member of the Philip Glass ensemble, as well as his composing work for film, television, and his own groups. New Math's first release on ToneScience Records features a collection of 11 free improvisations ranging from lyrical tone poems to abstract, atonal works featuring a variety of extended techniques. The lines between classical, new music, and jazz are obscured in this cohesive documentation of duo connectivity. |
Brooklyn based trumpeter Russ Johnson is an active performer in the jazz, improvised, and contemporary classical music scenes throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition to leading his own groups, and co-leading The Other Quartet and New Math, Russ is currently touring as a member of Lee Konitz' new nonet and the Steve Swallow/Ohad Talmor "L'Histoire du Clochard" sextet. In addition, Russ has performed with a long list of musical heavyweights including; Kenny Wheeler, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, Richie Beirach, Mark Ribot, Charles Earland, David Liebman, Joe Maneri, The Jazz Passengers, Oliver Lake, Myra Melford, Anthony Davis, Mick Rossi, Elvis Costello, Debbie Harry, Michael Bublé, Curtis Fowlkes, Roy Nathanson, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Brian Blade, Dick Oatts, Aretha Franklin, Tony Malaby, Jenny Scheinman, and Mat Maneri.