CiTR

Composer/theorist and bandleader George Russell is an important figure in the development of Modern Jazz. Russell remains more of a background figure but he did lead his own groups from 1960 through 1964. The groups had personnel changes but all reflected Mr. Russell's concepts and of course Mr. Russell played piano more than competently in these bands. His groups recorded for Riverside and Decca records. Tonight's Jazz Feature is a fine album that despite the title was recorded in New York after the band's gig in Kansas City in early 1961. Russell leads trumpeter Don Ellis, tenor saxophonist Dave Young, trombonist David Baker, bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Joe Hunt through a series of fine tunes ironically none were composed by Russell but have his magic touch. All of these players went on to prominent places in Jazz. The sound of the Russell Sextet doesn't sound dated at all and that is a tribute to Mr. Russell's leadership and direction. The George Russell Sextet in K.C. is a fine outing and arguably one of Russell's best.