Ray Russell's 70th Birthday Gig
““Ray Russell...this unusual artist's identity – a fusion of raw R&B...and seductive lyricism””
Guardian
Ray Russell is a guitarist/composer who has had a truly exceptional career. He is primarily known for his session work - you will have heard his playing on David Bowie’s Space Oddity, Tina Turner’s Private Dancer and numerous other tracks with artists as diverse as Freddie Mercury, Gil Evans and Andy Williams. You will also have heard some of his vast array of award-winning soundtrack compositions, which include the theme tunes to “Bergerac” and “A Touch of Frost”. His 2013 release, “Now, More Than Ever” (the first in seven years) shows that his ability to weave and dodge with apparent ease between moods and styles is same as it ever was, and his gift for a melodic riff or phrase just as pleasurable to hear. Though Ray has never been a household name, amongst his fellow musicians and aficionados he is heralded as one of the greats. This evening Ray will be celebrating his "special" birthday surrounded by many of his friends, who also happen to be some of the best musicians in the country! The band that Ray has assembled to start things off includes Chris Biscoe-sax, Geoff Castle-piano,Ian Palmer-drums and Ray's cohort and long time associate, the iconic bass player Mo Foster. However, he has told us that a veritable who's who of brilliant musicians have also promised to drop by to join in the fun, including Phil Hilborne-guitar, Iain Ballamy & Tony Roberts-saxes, George Baldwin-Chapman Stick,Charlie Baldwin-synths, Ralph Salmins & Alan Rushton-drums plus very Special Guests the internationally renowned guitarist Martin Taylor and founder member of Roxy Music, saxophonist Andy Mackay. These guys very rarely perform together in public these days, so this is a truly special occasion not to be missed by fans of this music.
“Russell...a fearsomely gifted [guitar] player who relies on taste rather than speed” BBC Jazz; “Ray Russell...this unusual artist's identity – a fusion of raw R&B...and seductive lyricism” Guardian; “Ray Russell isn't merely a fine jazz player, but a truly original music thinker and an improvisational force to be reckoned with.” All Music Guide