BIOGRAPHY

Inspirational Jazz Pianist George W. Russell, Jr.'s performances range from a solo piano, to a groove-oriented jazz trio, to a soulful, fresh-sounding ensemble that arouses the listener's intellect and touches the soul. As a composer his music and his harmonic approach to improvisation has jazz enthusiasts everywhere tilting an ear.

George has shared the stage with a number of legendary jazz artists including Bob Moses, Billy Pierce, Stan Strickland, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Semenya McCord, and Andy McGhee. His latest self-titled CD places George firmly on the radar and solidifies him as a fresh voice for Inspirational Jazz. He is joined by smooth jazz saxophonist Walter Beasley and the two come together for two unforgettable ballads. He has stretched his listeners ears for many years with harmonically rich chords and he included a cover of neo-soul songstress Jill Scott’s Golden. George performs regularly with accomplished musicians, drummer Sean Skeete and bassist Wesley Wirth. The George W. Russell, Jr. trio has performed to sold-out shows at Sculler’s Jazz Club and the Regatta Bar in Boston and Cambridge, MA. He and his music have also been honored and showcased at Jordan Hall’s Gospel Jubilee and he has taken part in the John Coltrane Memorial Concert at Northeastern University, MA. In addition, George has performed at the Cape Cod Jazz Festival and he has been featured on Sunday with Liz (Walker), a morning show on CBS.

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, George Russell received formal instruction from Duquesne University with Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1988. He continued his studies in Boston at the New England Conservatory of Music, receiving a Masters degree in Jazz Studies in 1990. Among his many accomplishments, George Russell competed as a finalist in the Martial Solal International Jazz Piano Competition in Paris, France. He received the 2001 Gospel Music Award, given by the New England Conservatory of Music, for his contribution to gospel music in the New England area. George served as Minister of Music/Chief Musician for Jubilee (formerly New Covenant) Christian Church in Boston for 15 years.

George Russell resides in Boston, MA, with his lovely wife and three children, where he is highly esteemed and sought after as a gospel and jazz pianist. He is an educator with ties deeply rooted in his community. He is an Associate Professor of Harmony at the Berklee College of Music, and is the former Chairman of the Jazz Department at the New England Conservatory's Music Extension Division. George performs his original program "Clap Your Hands", a narrative concert about gospel music in America, in several school systems in MA, under the auspices of Young Audiences of Massachusetts, and has founded the Christian Musicians Fellowship of Boston (CMF). During the summer, he educates gifted high school musicians at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts where he is the Chair of Jazz Studies.

George W. Russell, J.'s recordings include:

  • Self-titled , 2006
  • The Pianist & The Poet, 2004
  • Sandra Dowe & The George W. Russell, Jr. Trio, 2003
  • Schlickness, 2001
  • Worship in the Style of "G", 2000
  • Communion, Vol. II, Hymns Plus, 1998
  • Communion, Vol. I, 1994
  • Jesus is the Cure, 1994

Download George's Biography here (PDF).