Luis Russell was a prominent jazz pianist, bandleader, and arranger whose influential work helped shape the sound of jazz during the late 1920s and 1930s. Born on August 6, 1902, in Careening Cay, Panama, Russell moved to New Orleans as a young man, immersing himself in the city's burgeoning jazz scene. He developed his craft there before moving to Chicago and eventually settling in New York. It was in New York where Russell formed his own band in 1927, which became one of the leading jazz groups of the time.

Russell's band was known for its swing style and tight musicianship, serving as a launchpad for several noteworthy jazz musicians’ careers, including Louis Armstrong, for whom Russell’s band became a backing group during the early 1930s. Together, they created music that was both innovative and highly popular. Some of Russell’s notable recordings include "At The Swing Cats Ball" and "Call Of The Freaks," reflecting the energy and dynamic nature of his ensemble. His contributions to jazz were not only as a bandleader but also as an arranger, helping to define the sound of swing music. Luis Russell's music remains an essential part of jazz history, and his work is commemorated in collections such as "The Luis Russell Story" and "The Ultimate Jazz Archive." He passed away on December 11, 1963, leaving behind a legacy as one of jazz's great early pioneers.

Genres

Big Band

New Orleans Jazz

Latest Release

The Panamerican Jazz of Luis Russell

Luis Russell

Album - 11 Tracks - Released January 26, 2024