 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
In addition he also performed with world renowned Pops Symphony Orchestras: Chicago
Pops, Atlanta Pops, Boston Pops, Vienna Pops, Berlin Pops and East Berlin Pops.
Currently Russell Bizzett resides in North San Diego County. He spends his time recording,
freelancing, teaching and now has his own production company, Lazarus Music
Productions. 2007 Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. Recently released his own
CD's "Tommy Bolin Tribute" a jazz, rock fusion collection and "Live at Hiro San's" a
contemporary jazz collection.
He is a member of the Praise and Worship team at Sanctuary Church, San Juan Capistrano,
CA.
Pops, Atlanta Pops, Boston Pops, Vienna Pops, Berlin Pops and East Berlin Pops.
Currently Russell Bizzett resides in North San Diego County. He spends his time recording,
freelancing, teaching and now has his own production company, Lazarus Music
Productions. 2007 Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. Recently released his own
CD's "Tommy Bolin Tribute" a jazz, rock fusion collection and "Live at Hiro San's" a
contemporary jazz collection.
He is a member of the Praise and Worship team at Sanctuary Church, San Juan Capistrano,
CA.
| Featured sound clip is an original piece by Russell Bizzett. Look for it on his new CD. |
| Comments: |
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
I Wish I Was More Like My Buddy Russell
I just saw this picture. I've gotta tell you about my buddy Russell. (he's the good looking one on the right)
First... he's a really nice guy. About the nicest, kindest person I've ever met. Second, he's a wonderful musician. He plays drums, does a lot of gigs, and plays for us at
the church I'm serving at. Third... he's a great Christian. Not perfect (are any of us?) but authentic, and passionate in his own quiet and dignified way.
Here's a link to one of the recordings he did in my office one day...... just sat down and played.... wow. If you like freeform jazz have a listen. One of the fun things about
playing with Russell is that he hums really loud when he gets "in the pocket." (A musical slag term for being "in the zone" as it were) He's not even aware of it when he
does it. His wife, Carla, and I just crack up when we hear it. You can't hear it on this recording so you're just gonna have to take my word on it.
I'm always amazed by the quality of musicians that I get to work with, and that they let me lead them. Russell is one of those guys that has skills that just astound me,
and he could work anywhere he wants to, he's that good. Instead, he just quietly serves, doing his part, and rarely if ever complains. Man - I wish I was that good a
christian.
Romans 12:3
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
posted by Jim Yelvington at 2:33 PM
I Wish I Was More Like My Buddy Russell
I just saw this picture. I've gotta tell you about my buddy Russell. (he's the good looking one on the right)
First... he's a really nice guy. About the nicest, kindest person I've ever met. Second, he's a wonderful musician. He plays drums, does a lot of gigs, and plays for us at
the church I'm serving at. Third... he's a great Christian. Not perfect (are any of us?) but authentic, and passionate in his own quiet and dignified way.
Here's a link to one of the recordings he did in my office one day...... just sat down and played.... wow. If you like freeform jazz have a listen. One of the fun things about
playing with Russell is that he hums really loud when he gets "in the pocket." (A musical slag term for being "in the zone" as it were) He's not even aware of it when he
does it. His wife, Carla, and I just crack up when we hear it. You can't hear it on this recording so you're just gonna have to take my word on it.
I'm always amazed by the quality of musicians that I get to work with, and that they let me lead them. Russell is one of those guys that has skills that just astound me,
and he could work anywhere he wants to, he's that good. Instead, he just quietly serves, doing his part, and rarely if ever complains. Man - I wish I was that good a
christian.
Romans 12:3
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
posted by Jim Yelvington at 2:33 PM
Born in Sioux City Iowa, Russell grew up in a family of
musicians and started playing drums on his father's knee at
age 5. Both grandfathers were professional musicians. His
mother's father was a "boogie-woogie" piano player and his
father's father was a jazz trumpet player and big band
orchestra leader. His father was a jazz drummer who played
with the "Ink Spots". His two brothers were a trumpet player
and a sax player, and both played drums as well. His love for
drums drove him to pursue this calling. At 12 he started
playing gigs at his grandfather's nightclub and by the time he
was 19 he had played with Chuck Berry. The following year he
played with Muddy Waters. He moved to New York City and
studied with Roy Haynes as well as attended jazz workshops
in Harlem. From 1974 to 1976 he toured and recorded with
rock legend, Tommy Bolin. In 1977 he studied East Indian
rythms with Colin Walcott at Naropa Institute, Boulder
Colorado. From 1979-1981 he played with jazz legend, Freddy
Hubbard and in 1981 played with Bo Diddly. 1982-1990 he
toured with Jose Feliciano. He recorded for the Laverne &
Shirley Show, under Bennett Salvey, the Merv Griffin Show
under Mort Lindsey, musical director between 1983 and 1985
during down time from touring. Later he also recorded for the
Northern Exposure TV series. The Independent film,
"Stanley's Gig" also featured his talents on the sound track.
He played with French pop icon, Michel Jonasz from 1997 to
1998. Studied with International jazz drummer, Billy Higgins in
1998. Between tours he spent his time recording and
performing in the LA area.
He has worked and recorded with a large variety of artists
including Jimmy Smith, Billy Preston, Robben Ford, Jeff Berlin,
Raul De Sousa, Jose Jose, Carol Kaye, Jane Getz, Eric Reed,
Eric Marienthal, Wilton Felder, Rob Mullins, Ravi Coltrane, Dale
Fielder Quartet, Michael Ruff, Mike Miller, the Fowler Brothers
Air Pocket Band(former members of the Frank Zappa Band),
Michel Danton, Steve Barta, Barry Wedgle, Kim Stone, Tom
Scott , Rick Zunigar, George Bohanon, John Heard, Frank
Zottoli, Ronald Muldrow, Dwight Trible, Kenny Garrett and
many more.
musicians and started playing drums on his father's knee at
age 5. Both grandfathers were professional musicians. His
mother's father was a "boogie-woogie" piano player and his
father's father was a jazz trumpet player and big band
orchestra leader. His father was a jazz drummer who played
with the "Ink Spots". His two brothers were a trumpet player
and a sax player, and both played drums as well. His love for
drums drove him to pursue this calling. At 12 he started
playing gigs at his grandfather's nightclub and by the time he
was 19 he had played with Chuck Berry. The following year he
played with Muddy Waters. He moved to New York City and
studied with Roy Haynes as well as attended jazz workshops
in Harlem. From 1974 to 1976 he toured and recorded with
rock legend, Tommy Bolin. In 1977 he studied East Indian
rythms with Colin Walcott at Naropa Institute, Boulder
Colorado. From 1979-1981 he played with jazz legend, Freddy
Hubbard and in 1981 played with Bo Diddly. 1982-1990 he
toured with Jose Feliciano. He recorded for the Laverne &
Shirley Show, under Bennett Salvey, the Merv Griffin Show
under Mort Lindsey, musical director between 1983 and 1985
during down time from touring. Later he also recorded for the
Northern Exposure TV series. The Independent film,
"Stanley's Gig" also featured his talents on the sound track.
He played with French pop icon, Michel Jonasz from 1997 to
1998. Studied with International jazz drummer, Billy Higgins in
1998. Between tours he spent his time recording and
performing in the LA area.
He has worked and recorded with a large variety of artists
including Jimmy Smith, Billy Preston, Robben Ford, Jeff Berlin,
Raul De Sousa, Jose Jose, Carol Kaye, Jane Getz, Eric Reed,
Eric Marienthal, Wilton Felder, Rob Mullins, Ravi Coltrane, Dale
Fielder Quartet, Michael Ruff, Mike Miller, the Fowler Brothers
Air Pocket Band(former members of the Frank Zappa Band),
Michel Danton, Steve Barta, Barry Wedgle, Kim Stone, Tom
Scott , Rick Zunigar, George Bohanon, John Heard, Frank
Zottoli, Ronald Muldrow, Dwight Trible, Kenny Garrett and
many more.
Russell, you're one of the greatest drummers in the world and I had a fun time playing with you. Everyone should be as professional and nice as you are,
but it's incongruous as you, when you play drums, it's dynamite-wild, with all the great rhythms, and potency you have, not to speak of the groove which
you've always had. Love your jazz work as well as all the Latin, and Soul you put into your powerful yet sensitive playing. Anyone who takes lessons from
you is taking from a master, and whoever you work with is damned LUCKY, I'm jealous that you're in San Diego now, but someday we'll play together again.
Stay well my Friend.
Carol Kaye www.carolkaye.com
but it's incongruous as you, when you play drums, it's dynamite-wild, with all the great rhythms, and potency you have, not to speak of the groove which
you've always had. Love your jazz work as well as all the Latin, and Soul you put into your powerful yet sensitive playing. Anyone who takes lessons from
you is taking from a master, and whoever you work with is damned LUCKY, I'm jealous that you're in San Diego now, but someday we'll play together again.
Stay well my Friend.
Carol Kaye www.carolkaye.com
Russell Bizzett is one of the most natural Drummers that I ever had the opportunity to play with. Its always a pleasure. He is a musical musician.
Barry Wedgle Exit Records
Barry Wedgle Exit Records
Tell me about the percussionist Russell Bizzett?
I've worked with him in a lot of different situations. All the way from piano trios to rock bands. A very interesting wide-ranging player.
Wayne Peet, pfMENTUM, February 2000
By Jeff Kaiser
NewCreativeMusic.com
I've worked with him in a lot of different situations. All the way from piano trios to rock bands. A very interesting wide-ranging player.
Wayne Peet, pfMENTUM, February 2000
By Jeff Kaiser
NewCreativeMusic.com
