Young harmonica player Russ Green’s journey into the blues is different than
those of most musicians. Russ was born in Chicago and grew up on the city’s
west side. Although throughout his life he had listened to all types of music,
his desire to play wasn’t realized until his adult years. After being
discharged from the Army, Russ attended Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale where he studied film. It was at this time that his desire to play
music began to grow. Like lots of fans of Jimi Hendrix, Russ wanted to be able
to re-create the sounds of the man whom he had admired for many years. But
being a film student and having all of his money going to these films, he
couldn’t afford to buy a guitar. Undaunted by this realization, Russ
remembered the purchase of a harmonica from a west side shop a few years
earlier. The ability to re-create the sounds of Hendrix was becoming realized,
not with a guitar, but with a harmonica! Russ moved to Seattle where every
waking moment was spent concentrating on playing the harmonica. There was
always a harmonica shoved in his mouth, whether he was sitting on his couch or
walking down the street. He spent seven nights a week in Blues clubs jamming
or sitting in. On a Christmas visit back home to Chicago, friends invited him
to go to Rosa’s Blues Lounge where
Sugar Blue
was playing. This provided Russ the opportunity to meet the man whose music
had captured his attention, the man who was already being called the
"Jimi Hendrix of the harmonica". After this meeting Russ began
thinking about returning to Chicago to take advantage of this newly formed
friendship. It took a year and half, but he returned to Chicago to continue
his journey into the world of Blues. Since returning to Chicago, Russ’ career
in music has continued to grow. Not only did he have the opportunity to be
influenced by
Sugar Blue,
but also from legendary harmonica player
Billy Branch.
He has also shared the stage with the likes of
Buddy Guy,
John Primer,
Sammy Fender,
Dave Myers
and many others. He is also one of the harmonica players featured on a CD that
has received rave reviews and has been played on radio stations around the
world, the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project. This recording has been credited
with proving that the harmonica is still alive and vibrant in Chicago. Russ
has played in a number of Blues festivals including the Chicago Blues
Festival, the Burnley Mechanics Blues festival in England, and the San
Francisco Blues Festival, where his was called the standout performance of the
festival. He has also been featured on the BBC on the Paul Jones Blues Hour.
At this point the journey for Russ Green has just begun!
(quoted from Russ Green's official website)
Visit Russ Green's official website.
Visit Russ Green's page at myspace.com.
Visit also these related Sites:
Biographical Information on Russ Green
Russ Green biography at severnrecords.com.
Reviews and Critiques of Russ Green Live Performances and Recordings
Cd review by David Blue.
Russ Green Photos
Several Russ Green photos by Kurt Swanson.
Russ Green Videos
Russ Green - Gloucester Blues Festival. Runtime 08:06.
Russ Green Blues Harmonica. Runtime 00:31.
Russ Green-Populart-Madrid. Runtime 04:11.
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