“…stunning solo trombone passages of such delicacy and restraint as is seldom heard from that instrument……newly revealed capacity of the trombone to weave an intimate musical line we more often associate with the voice……confident leader’s generosity and respect for his band members according solo time amongst some of Canada’s finest…music anchored in tradition and craft but not constrained by it…” - (David Barnes – The Live Music Report, April 2006)
“…(Little) charges into bluesy territory inhabited in earlier days by Horace Silver…a rollicking frolic…this seriously talented leader explores sound possibilities and different stylistic approaches…” - (Geoff Chapman – The Toronto Star, 2006 when naming ‘Footloose’ ‘one of the Toronto Star’s 10 Best Albums of 2006’)
“…In Russ Little’s hands, the trombone transforms into a musical magic lamp capable of granting anything your heart desires…uncanny precision…extremely versatile…” - (Frank Nakashima – ‘Whole Note’ Magazine, February 2007)
“…(Russ Little’s) virtuoso performance on the albums Snapshot and Footwork could not be denied…” - (J.D. Considine – The Globe & Mail, April 2007)
“…The (On the Shoulders of Giants) CD reflects the tight, clean playing that these seasoned professionals bring with them everywhere they go…Russ Little’s playing is stellar throughout…another reminder why he has been first call for the likes of Woody Herman and The Boss Brass…” - (Brad Barker, JAZZ.FM91 Music Director – April 2008)
Bio
Born in Toronto, Canada, trombonist Russ Little was raised on the island of Jamaica for the first few years of his life before moving back to Canada to attend Malvern Collegiate Institute and the University of Toronto where he attained (in 1966) his honours degree in the Humanities, with special emphasis on History and English.
It was during his time at Malvern Collegiate that he was taught trombone (and inspired by) the legendary teacher-trombonist George M. McRae. By 1968 he was touring with the Woody Herman Orchestra as lead trombone and featured soloist and later, with the Count Basie Orchestra, he filled a similar role.
While touring with these famed jazz orchestras, he found time to become an original member of Canada's famed Rock Orchestra, "Lighthouse", a band with which he continues to perform. For fans of classic rock, "Lighthouse" hits include such monsters as "Sunny Days", "One Fine Morning", and "Hats Off To the Stranger".
Through the early '70's, Russ Little performed in the world famous "Boss Brass", while pursuing a very successful career as conductor/composer/arranger for the CBC, CTV and Global television networks in Canada. He was also constantly busy writing and conducting for NBC, ABC, General Motors, NFL Football and the famed SCTV comedy series in which he worked closely for many years with John Candy, Eugene Levy and Martin Short.
A consistently busy session-musician throughout his career, Russ decided that after a lifetime spent performing on other people's CDs, it was time to create his, own. "Snapshot" was the first result of that decision. His second album "Footwork" debuted in 2006 to critical acclaim and worlwide sales. His third album, "On the Shoulders Of Giants" was released in the Spring of 2008 and has been received with great interest, praise and excitement by musicians, critics and fans, alike.
Program
The Russ Little Quintet backs six featured International Jazz Stars, featured guests six days of a "Festival within a Festival", during the Toronto Downtown Jazz festival. Russ Little music director.
Date: June 28th through July 3rd, 2010
Location: Old Mill Inn, Toronto.
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Russ Little featured performer @ Jazz Vespers.
Date: July 4th, 2010
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Deer Park United Church, Toronto.
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The Russ Little Trio at The Mosaic Jazz Festival.
Date: July 7th, 2010
Location: Danforth & Coxwell, Toronto.
Jam Session al Gregory's Jazz in Rome, Italy. Giorgio Cuscito (tenor sax), Francesca Tandoi (piano), Guido Giacomini (bass), Roberto Pistolesi (drums). Very special special guest Russ Little (trombone on right of screen). Check out Russ Little's web site: http://www.russlittle.com/ and Michael's: http://www.michaelsupnick.com Realization and editing by Antonio Parisi adservice@tiscali.it
