Legendary jazz guitarist Russell Malone, dead at 60

Well-regarded jazz guitarist Russell Malone passed away on Friday, August 23. Malone, 60, was born in Albany, Georgia, but lived in Atlanta for over a decade, according to those who knew him well.

Russell’s passing took place while on tour with Ron Carter in Japan, according to multiple reports. His rare solo performances are considered some of the best jazz guitar work in the business. Russell’s performance at the New York Guitar Festival in January 2004 is most often cited as a good example of his prowess.

During his decades-long career, Malone, a self-taught artist, performed and toured with a number of jazz greats, including Carter, Harry Connick, Jr., Jimmy Smith, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and many others.

“Russell was probably the most significant jazz guitarist that we had in the last 40 years,” said Gary Motley, founding director of Jazz Studies at Emory University .

Motley and Malone remained friends after working together when Motley, a jazz pianist, toured with Malone’s quartet from 1992-1994. “I was very fortunate to meet him in Atlanta and tour with Russell across the United States and Europe,” Motley said.

Motley called Malone, “a people person,” something that others who worked with Malone confirmed.

“He had an efficacious laugh, smile, and a joy for life,” said local jazz bassist Jordan Dayan. “Russell had all the talent and worked so hard at his craft.”

For a young jazz pianist looking to break into the big time, Malone was much more.

“He always looked out for the Atlanta community,” said jazz pianist Louis Heriveaux. Malone took Heriveaux on his first national tour. “He helped show me the ropes of the business and took me under his wing. He was really a good-hearted cat.”

The post Legendary jazz guitarist Russell Malone, dead at 60 appeared first on The Atlanta Voice .