Russell Malone - Playground

"When I was asked to write some comments about this recording, I was a little apprehensive in the beginning. After all, shouldn't the music speak for itself? But after some consideration, I realized that certain things needed to be addressed. First of all, this is the first time I've produced my own recording (or at least gotten credit for it)."

"Second, it's such a beautiful experience to go into the studio with a group of musicians that I've been playing with on the road EJ, Strickland, Martin Bejerano and Tassili Bond are three of the finest young musicians working today. These gentlemen have great respect for the history of this music. This is a must for anyone who plays in my band. At the same time, they're not afraid to come to their own conclusions as to how the music can be approached. This is also a must for anyone who plays in my band."

"I'm also very happy to have Gary Bartz and Joe Locke on this recording. Their presence in any musical situation is always inspiring. Most of the songs are originals that I've been sitting on for a while. There are also a couple of songs that I heard as a child growing up in Georgia, as well as two obscure gems by Jerome Kern and Billy Strayhorn. The music on this recording may not be considered 'ground breaking.' Maybe it doesn't even 'push the envelope' or 'break from tradition.' But I honestly meant every note of it. Enjoy."

- Russell Ate/one

Personnel:

Russell Malone: guitar

Martin Bejerano: piano

Tassili Bons: bass

E.J. Strickland: drums

Garry Bartz: alto saxophone

Joe Locke: vibes

TRACK LISTING

01 YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER 6:37

Russell Malone

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Strickland, drums

02 BLUES FOR MULGREW 4:31

Russell Malone

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Stricklanti, drums

03 SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR 3:51

Billy Strayhorn

Russell Malone. guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassiti Bond, bass - EJ, Strickland, drums

04 SUGAR BUZZ 4:44

Russell Malone

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Strickland, drums -

Joe Locke, vibes

05 PLAYGROUND 5:25

Russell Malone

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Strickland, drums

06 REMIND ME 4:19

Dorothy Fields & Jerome Kern

Russell Malone, guitar

07 WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN 4:59

Karen & Richard Carpenter

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Strickland, drums

08 INVISIBLE COLORS 6:49

Russell Malone

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Sirickland, drums

09 MANDELA 7:03

Russell Matone

Russell Malone, guitar - Martin Bejerano, piano -

Tassili Bond, bass - EJ. Strickland, drums -

Gary Bart; alto saxophone

10 YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND 3:42

Carole King

Russell Malone, guitar

Total Length 52:18