June 10, 2007 – Jazz trumpeter Eddie Russell will be appearing center stage at 6 p.m., on Friday, June 15, at Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted. The Frederiksted Economic Development Association Inc. (FEDA) as sponsor and host of Sunset Jazz is honored to welcome the impressive talent of Eddie Russell and the phenomenal cast of musicians who will share the stage with him.
Russell has been called a jazz visionary, trumpeter extraordinaire, driven, determined, single-minded, spicy, well-seasoned. A native of St. Croix, he began performing professionally at the age of 15. Forming his first jazz ensemble, "Eddie & the Playboys" in 1964, this group became quite popular within the Virgin Islands club scene before he moved on to study and play professionally in Puerto Rico in the late 60's.
Being immersed in the rich environment of Puerto Rico's Latin jazz and salsa served to expand Russell's skills and repertoire in the Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz idiom. Working with legendary Latin artists such as Eddie Palmieri and Ray Santos, gave him the opportunity to showcase his beautiful tone and chance-taking style, placing him high on the list of in-demand trumpeters in the Caribbean. Embracing the combined straight rhythm and clave inherent within Latin Jazz remains evident in Russell's strikingly original and distinctive performances.
He has earned a Master's of Fine Arts degree from the City University of New York, and studied with jazz luminaries Ron Carter, Sir Roland Hanna, Jimmy Heath and Jimmy Owens. It was during this period that Russell recorded with Ron Carter, "The Mighty Sparrow." Russell has toured extensively with Reggae's Blues Busters, Hopeton Lewis and Vic Taylor; R&B's Sam and Dave; and calypso's Kitchener, Arrow, The Mighty Sparrow, Duke and many more. He performs frequently in the Caribbean as Eddie Russell and the Quelbe Latin Jazz Band.
Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concerts are free and go from 6-8 p.m. It is a family affair. Those attending are encouraged to bring along folding chairs or blankets for seating. FEDA will have its drink concession going, with proceeds helping to offset the costs of the concert, so Please be cool: No coolers! FEDA is joined in its efforts to present Sunset Jazz by FirstBank VI, BeachSide Cafe' at SandCastle on the Beach Hotel, and WTJX/Channel 12 (the local PBS station that assists every month through their taping of Sunset Jazz, which airs on Channel 12 Saturday nights at 8 p.m.)
For more information, contact Bridget Cox-Dawson, executive producer, at 277-0692 or e-mail: bdawson@pennswoods.net
