Today is Russell Malone’s birthday. For those who don’t know, Russell is one of today’s premiere Jazz Guitarists who exhibits his own unique quality whenever he picks up the guitar. He can play practically any style of Jazz and his blues playing is smokin’. Plus, he’s got one of the meanest vibrato’s of any guitar player, Jazz, rock or Blues. I saw him play this summer during the Montreal International Jazz Festival and he was just outstanding. I was also fortunate to meet him prior to Mimi Fox’s (another outstanding Jazz Guitarist) workshop during the festival. He was very congenial and we chatted for a few minutes while he cracked some jokes with Mimi. Then he asked Mimi if he could play her guitar and we both stood in awe as he whipped through some chord melody stuff that would have had Joe Pass grinning. His blues playing was also killer as he played some old “Doc” Watson stuff that had Mimi quite excited. It was a very cool introduction to a man who truly loves the instrument in all its glory. Definitely one of the high points of my festival observations. If you get a chance to, check out any of Russell’s recordings…especially his two volume set, “Live at the Standard”. They are both killer and will have your feet tapping from the get go. Happy Birthday Russell and many, many more!

Linear Expressions - Pat Martino Written by Pat Martino. Instructional book for guitar. 64 pages. Published by Reh Book. (HL.70011) See more info…