Marc Russo from Yellowjackets?
Leprechaun
What ever became of Marc Russo, the ex-alto player in the Yellowjackets
band? While I do prefer *real* jazz, I am awed at Marc's mastery of the
altissimo range (and some of the old Yellowjackets tunes *were* pretty
hip). He was replaced several years ago by a new saxophone player.
I would like to know if he has recorded on any recent albums. If anyone
has any information, please post.
--
Leprechaun
<ja...@mail.idt.net>
Miles Osland
Marc released his debut album on the JVC jazz label a couple of years
ago. I can't recall the name of it. He has not had a follow-up
recording, as far as I know. Yes, I agree with you about his control in
the altissimo range. He is defineatly one of my influences as far as
that aspect of playing is concerned. I saw the 'Jackets live twice with
Russo, and what totally blew me away is that he is doing all of that
altissimo playing with a contemporary sound on an old NY Meyer. BTW, I
have also seen them live twice with the addition of Bob Mintzer - a
totally different band with a new direction - Russo's style just didn't
fit the way Ferrante, Haslip, et al - were headed, I guess.
Brian W. Gardner
Leprechaun (ja...@mail.idt.net) wrote:
: What ever became of Marc Russo, the ex-alto player in the Yellowjackets
Agreed. The removal of Marc and the addition of Bob Mintzer was enormously
disappointing to me. I see Marc a couple of years ago on tour with Kenny
Loggins. Other than that, I have not heard a note, or seen a solo release.
Let's try to get him back in the spotlight! Besides his great altissimo,
he is one of the few alto players today that doesn't have that bright, whiney
Sanborn-like tone. (exceptions also include Brandon Fields). His tone
is soft and warm.
BTW, I don't dislike Bob Mintzer, but I find him "un-distinctive" and the
world has enough tenor players.
--
Brian W. Gardner "Captain, I protest; I am not a
495 Park Blvd. merry man!" - Lt. Worf
Worthington, OH 43085
bgar...@infinet.com (home) bgar...@hublink.com (office)
pha...@starbase.neosoft.com
Leprechaun (ja...@mail.idt.net) wrote:
: What ever became of Marc Russo, the ex-alto player in the Yellowjackets
: band? While I do prefer *real* jazz, I am awed at Marc's mastery of the
: altissimo range (and some of the old Yellowjackets tunes *were* pretty
: hip). He was replaced several years ago by a new saxophone player.
: I would like to know if he has recorded on any recent albums. If anyone
: has any information, please post.
I've heard Marc on some of the John Tesh Saxohpne CD's. He's
definitely impressive with regards to the Altissimo range. He can take
pop tunes and really "whale" on them. I'd been interested how he
developed the control and easy with which he plays the Altissimo.
Wayne
HIBA...@gnn.com
I think the title of the disc was something like "The Window"
jeff
Jason DuMars
> I've heard Marc on some of the John Tesh Saxohpne CD's. He's
>definitely impressive with regards to the Altissimo range. He can take
>pop tunes and really "whale" on them. I'd been interested how he
>developed the control and easy with which he plays the Altissimo.
I am a major Marc Russo fan... I think he is one of the most exciting
and energetic contemporary saxophonists on the scene today! I had the
pleasure of seeing Yellowjackets live and had an opportunity to talk
briefly to him about his setup. He used Rico Plasticover reeds which
offer a much easier altissimo than a normal reed, and the
aforementioned NY Meyer mouthpiece. His horn is an early Mark VI.
As for how he got the altissimo chops, he said it was from working
with Ted Nash's book "Studies in High Harmonics"... He must have
*really* studied that book.
I would like very much to get in contact with Russo if possible, so
anyone who knows how to contact him, please e-mail me the information.
I would like to interview him.
As an aisde, anyone who wants to check out one of the most
incredible/controlled altissimo-enabled sounds around, should check
out Miles Osland's playing. He has complete control of the
stratosphere and does amazing things "up there"! His home page is:
http://www.saxophone.org/miles/miles.html
-JD
Steve Carmichael
call information in Oakland you will find his number. This info is 6
years old though. I really loved his stuff w/ yellowjackets. He also
once played with the Tower Of Power, but durring a time when the group
was totally stressed out and members were leaving about one a week.
Merlin Allan Williams
In <31E7CC...@earthlink.net> Steve Carmichael <
>> -JD
>Iv'e met with Russo a few time when I lived in Frisco. I belive if you
>call information in Oakland you will find his number. This info is 6
>years old though. I really loved his stuff w/ yellowjackets. He also
>once played with the Tower Of Power, but durring a time when the group
>was totally stressed out and members were leaving about one a week.
I first saw Russo with T.O.P. when they played in Toronto in about '80
- '82? Was very impressed. I've got some of the Yellowjackets things
too, but I'm not as into that style now, so I haven't kept tabs on who
he's playing with.
merlin.
