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Ray Russell's dangerous bends promises a captivating journey through musical territory, enriched by the collaboration of exceptional fellow musicians. Each track resonates with its own unexpected journey where the unexpected awaits every note.
All About Jazz
Russell is a Bonafide British guitar hero”.
- Mark Sullivan,
The Guardian
"Jazz-rock devotees will certainly want to hear Ray Russell out in the open more often."
- John Fordham
BBC Jazz
“Russell is a fearsomely gifted player who relies on taste rather than
speed, even when teamed up with the likes of fusion legends Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips.
Highlights include the slow burn of the opening”.
- Peter Marsh
Guitar Player
“Russell’s playing is beautifully nuanced throughout, ranging from
delicate jazz voicings to echo-y Ebow textures to full-on fusion shred”.
- Barry Cleveland
Live at The ICA Retrospective
“Russell transcends the six string cage”.
- Jim O Rouke.
Ray Russell is one of Britain’s most versatile and respected session guitarists, whose career has spanned more than six decades across jazz, rock, film, television and popular music. Born in Islington, North London, on 4 April 1947, Russell began playing professionally while still a teenager and gained his first major break when he replaced legendary guitarist Vic Flick in the John Barry Seven, the ensemble led by composer John Barry.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Russell established himself as one of London’s most in-demand session musicians. His distinctive guitar work appeared on recordings and performances with artists as diverse as David Bowie, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Van Morrison, Tina Turner, Art Garfunkel and Phil Collins. He also worked extensively within the British jazz scene, collaborating with figures such as Gil Evans, Georgie Fame and the pioneering jazz-rock group Nucleus.
Alongside his session work, Russell developed a reputation as an innovative solo artist. Albums such as Turn Circle (1968), Dragon Hill (1969) and later releases including Now, More Than Ever and Fluid Architectureshowcased his adventurous blend of jazz improvisation, rock energy and electronic experimentation. Critics have frequently cited him as one of the most original British guitarists of his generation.
Russell also enjoyed major success as a composer for film and television. He contributed to numerous James Bond soundtracks and wrote music for popular British television series including A Touch of Frost, Bergeracand Dangerfield, earning industry recognition for his soundtrack work. Equally at home in the studio, on stage or composing for screen, Ray Russell remains a highly influential figure whose career bridges the worlds of jazz, popular music and visual media.
