South BC Blues Society presents: The Russell Jackson Band

Description

RUSSELL JACKSON

“The Groovemaster”

Russell Jackson has more than 5 decades under his belt as a master of both acoustic and electric bass. He’s fluent in many styles and was the first to employ the slap bass in a blues context, over time earning the moniker, “the Groovemaster”. A disciple of the legendary Willie Dixon, Russell continues to champion the tradition of the stand-up bass.

Memphis born, as a young man Russell Jackson moved to Chicago to hone his craft. He was soon hired by one of the blues city’s greats, vocalist Otis Clay. During this time, he was spotted by none other than Mr. B.B. King, who invited him to join the B.B. King Orchestra. He spent the next seven years travelling the world with the legendary ‘Ambassador of the Blues’.

With dual citizenship, Russell works regularly on both sides of the border. His Austin roots go back to the 80’s, when he established himself as an in-demand session player and busy band member for Katie Webster, Lucky Peterson, Kenny Neal, Matt Guitar Murphy and Luther Tucker. It was then the original Silent Partners were formed, with Russell on bass, guitarist Mel Brown (Bobby Blue Bland Band), and drummer Tony Coleman (B.B. King Band). The trio recorded an album If It’s All Night, It’s All Right (1989), on the famed Antone’s record label. Andrew Jr. Boy Jones later joined them. In Canada, Russell has been a fixture on the scene since the early 90’s, where his Russell Jackson Band tours regularly. He can also be found touring globally with Canadian based blues & boogie giant, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne.

Russell’s solo releases include The Alley Man (1994), Becoming Blue (1999) and Have Mercy (2007). He’s also heard on numerous notable artist’s albums, including Otis Clay, B.B. King, Albert Collins, Kenny Neal, Luther Tucker, Long John Baldry, Frankie Lee, and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, among them.

In 2021, the Silent Partners reunited to create a sound that would be a foundation for many artists’ recordings and tours. The new Silent Partners features Russell, Tony Coleman (drums) and Memphis based guitarist, Jonathan Ellison - all three fine musicians, singers and songwriters. Their brand-new album, Changing Times (2022) hit at the top of the charts and remains there after 8 weeks.

Date & Time

Sat., May 31, 2025 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Venue Details

The Dream Café

67 Front Street
Penticton, British Columbia V2A 1H2

The Dream Café