A Sunday Special post this week, in memoriam of jazz guitar legend Russell Malone.
We fondly remember and celebrate the life of the great jazz guitarist, Russell Malone, who passed away on August 23rd, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan.
From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.
Russell Malone died on Friday, August 23 in Tokyo after a performance at the Blue Note in Tokyo with Ron Carter’s Trio. He was sixty years old. I first became aware of Russell's guitar playing when he started performing with Jimmy Smith in 1988. I got to know him better during his time with Sonny Rollins in the early 2000s. Russell was an incredibly affable and warm person with a delightful sense of humor. He loved to crack a joke or share a memorable story. As a serious musician, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the guitar. In a recent audio blindfold test with his close friend Christian McBride, on Sirius XM’s Real Jazz, he instantly identified Charlie Christian, George Benson, Roy Clark, and Jimi Hendrix and shared stories about each. As a musician, Russell was very versatile, known for his deep understanding of the jazz tradition, including swing, bebop, and blues. However, his playing also incorporated elements of gospel, R&B, and even pop, which made his music accessible to a wide range of audiences. Russell also was particularly adept at moving between solo guitar performances, small ensembles, and big bands, showcasing his ability to adapt his playing to different musical settings. The Atlanta native worked with musicians of all genres who were passing through, from Benny Goodman to Little Anthony of Little Anthony and the Imperials. Mr. Malone gained significant recognition as part of Diana Krall's quartet, contributing to her crossover success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His sensitive and supportive accompaniment on her albums, such as When I Look in Your Eyes and *The Look of Love*, played a key role in their critical and commercial success. Russell’s technique was characterized by fluidity, precision, and a warm, full tone. His ability to navigate complex chord progressions and deliver intricate solos with ease sets him apart as a master guitarist. Beyond technical skill, Russell Malone is celebrated for his ability to convey deep emotion through his playing. His performances often had a lyrical quality, where he told a story through his guitar, connecting with listeners on an emotional level. And that’s exactly what he could do in a conversation, as well. He had could establish a very strong emotional contact with a stranger. Malone has influenced a generation of jazz guitarists who admire his blend of tradition and innovation. He helped to keep the jazz guitar tradition alive while pushing its boundaries, making him a key figure in the instrument's modern development. For nearly twenty years, Russell Malone served as a faculty member in the William Paterson College Jazz program, where he was renowned for his dedication to teaching and mentoring young musicians. His passion for jazz guitar and his commitment to nurturing new talent have left a lasting impact, further solidifying his legacy. When someone like Russell Malone leaves us prematurely, we can’t help but ask why. It seems that whether we lead healthy, productive lives or not, the unpredictable hand of fate intervenes, often sooner than we’d wish. In the case of a wonderful man like Russell Malone, we hoped for much later. While our bodies are temporary, our actions and the way we touch the lives of others endure. The outpouring of grief on Facebook following Russell's untimely passing this past weekend was one of the most heartfelt I’ve ever seen. So many people loved Russell Malone, and with good reason.
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