Bio: Born in Detroit, Brad Russell (aka Russo) was raised in a musically diverse household. He recalls, “my brothers listening to everything from James Brown to Aerosmith and my Mom spinning Bill Evans or Stan Getz records.” After studying acoustic bass in high school, Brad attented the University of Miami’s school of music and received a masters degree. He later moved to the San Francisco bay area and worked for Shrapnel/Blues Bureau records producer Mike Varney. He has performed/recorded with a variety of artists such as: Joe Satriani,Gary Hoey,Gregg Bissonette, Mariah Carey, Clarence Clemons, Neal Schon and jazz organist Lonnie Smith. Currently living in NYC Brad has also performed for the Broadway musicals Jersey Boys, Grease,Memphis and Rock Of Ages.Brad’s cd “Let’s Hear It!’ (Featuring Joe Satriani) is available on Steve Vai’s “Digital Nations” label and Brad’s current EP “Daily Shred” is available on iTunes.
Philosophy: Music is a performing art, so I’m focused on allowing the student to play as much in the lessons as possible . Undoubtedly, an instructors demonstration is important but I find it more productive to encourage the student to play as soon as possible and to learn by performing consistently for me in our lessons.
Primary Teachers: Maxim Janowsky ( bassist with the Detroit Symphony) Don Coffman ( professor of Jazz bass at the University of Miami ) Mel Graves ( head of jazz studies at Sonoma State University, CA)
Education: Masters of Music; University of Miami – 2000, Bachelor of Music; Sonoma State University – 1998
Awards: awarded a gold record for playing bass on the hit song “ When I Looked at Him “ by Arista records recording artists “ Expose” awarded full scholarship to the graduate studies program at the University of Miami studio music & jazz program .featured article in Bass Player Magazine 2018
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Performance Links: https://www.reverbnation.com/bradrussellbass