Guitarist Russell Malone was born on November 8, 1963 in Albany, Georgia. His first exposure to music was through his church. As guitars began to be incorporated into the church music, Russell found himself fascinated by it. Before he was five, his mother bought him a toy guitar and he began copying the church players.

At ten, Russell developed an interest in the blues and country music after seeing such musicians as Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, B.B. King and, especially, George Benson perform on television. Ultimately, it was jazz that Russell chose to play. He became a self-taught player influenced by players such as B.B. King, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, and dozens of others whom he discovered through voracious research.

Russell first worked with master jazz organist Jimmy Smith in 1988, and between 1990 and 1994 toured with Harry Connick Jr. During the late nineties Malone toured internationally with Diana Krall, receiving critical acclaim for his role as Diana’s right hand both in concert and on her recordings. Russell has also shared the stage with artists of the caliber of Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Claude Fiddler Williams, Bucky Pizzarelli, Natalie Cole, Benny Green, Jack McDuff, John Hicks, Clarence Carter, Little Anthony, Freddie Cole, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, Roy Hargrove, Cyrus Chestnut, Roy Brown and Patti Austin. Malone was also a featured performer in Robert Altman’s 1996 film Kansas City.

His first recordings as a leader were made for Columbia: Russell Malone (1992), Black Butterfly (1993) and Wholly Cats (1994). Later, he joined the Verve Music Group and has recorded three albums for them, including Sweet Georgia Peach (1998), Look Who’s Here! (2000) and Heartstrings (2001). Russell also has a stellar career as sideman. He played a very important role in Diana Krall’s first recordings, the Grammy-nominated All For You and Love Scenes. He has also recorded, with Harry Connick Jr., Branford Marsalis, Natalie Cole, Ray Brown, Don Braden, Dianne Reeves and Etta Jones.

He is currently touring with his Quartet, as well as with Benny Green to promote their new duo CD, Jazz at the Bistro on TELARC.