Pee Wee Russell was an innovative and distinctive jazz clarinetist, whose career spanned five decades from the 1920s to the 1960s. Born Charles Ellsworth Russell on March 27, 1906, in Maplewood, Missouri, he came to be known for his idiosyncratic playing style that defied the conventional techniques of his time. Russell's airy tone and unpredictable, spontaneous phrasing made him stand out among his peers in the traditional jazz and Dixieland scenes, despite not fitting neatly into any one genre.

Throughout his career, Pee Wee Russell performed and recorded with many jazz luminaries, including Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, and Bix Beiderbecke. He was revered for his unique approach to the clarinet, featuring a wide vibrato and an expressive, melancholic sound. His improvisational skills were highly regarded and his ability to convey emotion through his instrument set him apart as a true original in jazz. The later part of his career saw him exploring new stylistic territories, resonating with modern jazz audiences and collaborating with musicians outside of his usual circles. Albums such as "Portrait Of Pee Wee," "Pee Wee Russell with Alex Welsh & His Band," and "Pee Wee Russell in England" illustrate his international appeal and the timeless nature of his work. He left behind an invaluable legacy when he passed away on February 15, 1969, but his influence on the jazz genre remains profound.

Genres

Jazz Clarinet

New Orleans Jazz

Latest Release

Gold Rush

Pee Wee Russell

Album - 14 Tracks - Released November 3, 2022