Russ Nolan

Russ Nolan: Sin Fronteras

by Edward Blanco
August 17, 2020

Sin Fronteras (without borders) is the self-titled debut album from a New York-based quartet established by an internationally-recognized group of Latin and Modern jazz musicians hailing from Colombia, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Chicago. Led by saxophonist and Latin jazz proponent Russ Nolan, the band includes Swiss pianist Manu Koch, Bulgarian bassist Trifon Dimitrov and Colombian drummer Juan Felipe Mayorga--together performing a variety of styles of music designed to appeal to anyone regardless of heritage. The band's goal was not ...

Russ Nolan: Relentless

by Jeffrey Uhrich
February 16, 2014

Latin rhythms and Afro-Cuban beats abound throughout Relentless, saxophonist Russ Nolan's strong follow-up to the well-received Tell Me (Rhinocerouss Music, 2012). All of the tracks contained in Relentless are infused with a sharp rhythmic sensibility displaying Nolan's talent as a saxophonist while ensuring that the heavy influence of salsa and Latin-based rhythms shine throughout each piece. Nolan and his sidemen exude energy and spontaneity throughout the eight numbers contained on this disc, six of which are Nolan original compositions.

Russ Nolan: Tell Me

by Dan Bilawsky
September 26, 2012

While saxophonist Russ Nolan's move from Chicago to New York in 2002 was an important turning point in his career, his subsequent immersion in the New York Salsa dancing world has had an even greater impact on his music. Nolan learned to free his body and his mind to the effects of the rhythms as they washed over his very being, and he's allowed this same mindset to seep into his music. Tell Me is all about ...

Russ Nolan and the Kenny Werner Trio: With You in Mind

by Elliott Simon
May 8, 2008

Two Colors (Rhinoceruss, 2004), the first release from saxophonist Russ Nolan as a leader, impressed by virtue of an exquisite partnership with pianist Sam Barsh and the leader's convincing command of both tenor and soprano saxophones. The saxophonist's sophomore effort, With You in Mind, reprises his traditional approach in the context of pianist Kenny Werner's superb piano trio. Nolan's affinity for pianists is again readily apparent on a varied musical program that includes paeans to Trane, Monk and drummer Billy ...

Russ Nolan: With You In Mind

by Lyn Horton
April 26, 2008

It's a feat for a musician to integrate seamlessly into playing within a well-known musical group that is accustomed to playing on its own. This is the tale of saxophonist Russ Nolan, whose release with pianist Kenny Werner's trio, With You In Mind, is a dream come true.

All the compositions on the recording were written by Nolan, except for John Coltrane's “Naima," which the saxophonist arranged.

The texture of the music weaves threads of clear direction and touch. Contrasting ...

Russ Nolan and the Kenny Werner Trio: With You in Mind

by Greg Camphire
March 12, 2008

With You in Mind is saxophonist Russ Nolan's sophomore effort as a leader, and benefits from the inclusion of pianist Kenny Werner's longstanding trio featuring drummer Ari Hoenig and bassist Johannes Weidenmueller, which simultaneously supports and challenges Nolan on a set of mostly his own compositions.

“Stand Clear of the Closing Doors" is a highlight, putting a clever touch on the theme of bustling city life that has long been a favorite of jazz musicians. Nolan ...

Russ Nolan: Two Colors

by Elliott Simon
February 21, 2005

Two Colors begins with a pleasantly laid back meeting between Willy Wonka and Miles Davis--a meeting that has the “Pure Imagination" melody from the children's film being reharmonized with Miles' “It's About That Time." From there, things get a bit more intense as pianist Sam Barsh, bassist Sean Conly, and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza take the journey through saxophonist Russ Nolan's intriguing musical mind. Nolan switches from soprano to tenor and weaves bop, cool and swing with a dash of Latin ...

Saxophonist Russ Nolan's First Live Recording, "Sanctuary From The Ordinary: Live At Firehouse 12," To Be Released Feb. 12

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
January 13, 2016

Saxophonist/composer/arranger Russ Nolan has been documenting his explorations of Latin rhythms and modern jazz harmony on record since the release of his 2004 debut, Two Colors. He has worked with special guests like percussionist Victor Rendon and pianists Kenny Werner and Manuel Valera while deepening ties with players who eventually coalesced into his working group. For his sixth CD, Nolan set himself up for a new challenge by recording the session live in performance. The inspired results may be heard ...
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Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan To Release "Call It What You Want" March 31

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
March 7, 2015

A dexterous improviser with an abiding passion for Latin American rhythms, Russ Nolan delivers a deeply satisfying program of original tunes on his new CD Call It What You Want. The prolific tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger will release the disc, his 5th as a leader in 10 years, on his Rhinoceruss Music label March 31. Reflecting his fluency in the post-bop vocabulary and Latin rhythmic idioms, it’s an approach quite distinct from what used to be called Latin jazz, ...
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"Relentless," 4th Album By Tenor Saxophonist/composer Russ Nolan, Due January 21

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
December 17, 2013

Tenor saxophonist/composer/arranger Russ Nolan continues his exploration of Latin rhythms on his fourth CD Relentless, which will be released by his Rhinoceruss Music label on January 21. Picking up where last year’s critically acclaimed Tell Me left off, Relentless features the contributions of Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Manuel Valera as well as Tell Me’s rhythm section of Michael O’Brien on bass and drummer Brian Fishler. Nolan’s concern with rhythm began coming into clear focus in the late 1980s, when he was ...
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Tenor Saxophonist/composer Russ Nolan To Release 3rd Album "Tell Me" Sept. 25

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
August 28, 2012

In the ten years since his move to New York City from Chicago, tenor saxophonist/composer/arranger Russ Nolan has made great strides in advancing his musical career. He immersed himself in the scene, playing and collaborating with a wide range of musicians. He made his first recordings as a leader — the quartet date Two Colors (2004) and the much-praised With You in Mind (2008), on which he was backed by the Kenny Werner Trio. And, less typically, he hit the ...
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Russ Nolan Appearing at the Kitano Friday & Saturday, May 2 & 3

Source: All About Jazz
April 28, 2008

WHO: Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan with: Kenny Werner (piano) Johannes Weidenmueller (bass) Ronen Itzik (drums)

WHEN: May 2nd & 3rd 8 & 10 PM

WHERE: The Kitano 66 Park Ave. (at E 38th St.) Tel: 212.885.7000 kitano.com

COST: $25 cover, $15 minimum

WHY: In Support & Celebration of With You In Mind

“From the opening seconds of 'Kilson's Groove' ...
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Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan Appearing at the Kitano Friday & Saturday, May 2 & 3

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
April 24, 2008

WHO: Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan with: Kenny Werner (piano) Johannes Weidenmuller (bass) Ronen Itzik (drums)

WHEN: May 2nd & 3rd 8 & 10 PM

WHERE: The Kitano 66 Park Ave. (at E 38th St.) Tel: 212.885.7000 www.kitano.com

COST: $25 cover, $15 minimum

WHY: In Support & Celebration of With You In Mind

“From the opening seconds of 'Kilson's Groove' ...
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Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan Appearing at the Kitano, May 2 & 3, Featuring Kenny Werner

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
April 3, 2008

Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan Appearing at The Kitano Friday & Saturday, May 2 & 3, In Support & Celebration of With You in Mind Nolan will be appearing with Kenny Werner (piano), Johannes Weidenmuller (bass) and Ronen Itzik (drums) LISTINGS INFO: The Kitano is located at 66 Park Ave. (at E 38th St.), Tel 212 885 7000, website kitano.com, showtimes are 8 & 10 PM, $25 cover, $15 minimum “From the opening seconds of 'Kilson's Groove' to the lush, chordal, fade ...
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Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan Proudly Announces the Release of His New Album, with You in Mind

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
January 9, 2008

Saxophonist/Composer Russ Nolan Proudly Announces The Release of His New Album, With You In Mind Featuring The Kenny Werner Trio: Kenny Werner (piano), Johannes Weidenmuller (bass), Ari Hoenig (drums) “Two Colors, Russ Nolan's first album as a leader, was an impressive debut; With You in Mind is a flying leap. Inasmuch as it finds the saxophonist seamlessly integrating himself into a longstanding trio, the new album reminds me of some of those classic Prestiges and Blue Notes of the 1950s ...
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