George Russell

Introduction to George Russell

George Russell was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who was known for his unique approach to jazz composition and improvisation. He was born on June 23, 1923, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and began his career in music as a drummer before switching to piano.

Throughout his career, Russell worked with many prominent jazz musicians, including Miles Davis, Art Farmer, and Eric Dolphy. He also developed a number of innovative concepts in jazz theory, including his "Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization," which has had a lasting impact on the development of jazz music.

Early Life and Career

George Russell grew up in a musical family and began playing drums at a young age. He attended Wilberforce University in Ohio, but his studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the U.S. Navy. After the war, he moved to New York City and began working as a drummer in various bands.

In the late 1940s, Russell began to focus more on piano and began composing his own music. In 1950, he formed his first band, which included such future jazz stars as Art Farmer and Hal McKusick. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Russell recorded many albums and continued to develop his unique approach to jazz composition and improvisation. He also taught at various institutions, including the New England Conservatory of Music and Brandeis University. George Russell died on July 27, 2009, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.