russell malone

“Obviously, we are in the capable hands of a master. Absolutely fluid touch and beautiful integration between moving lines and harmonic cadences. The sound of the instrument is well-balanced throughout the entire register. The relaxed quality of everything that’s being played gives it such a warm feeling. To play that …

Master guitarist and composer Russell Malone taught himself how to play guitar. In this interview with iRock Jazz, Malone shares his greatest teaching tool for any musician-being on the road.

I feel confident in saying that one of the greatest jazz guitar albums ever is, Smokin’ at the Half Note by Wes Montgomery in 1965. Aside from a spectacular band—the spontaneity, active listening employed by the comping instruments, and the selection of tunes make this album a classic. The Cyrus …