My Story
As a young guitarist growing up, all Russ wanted to do was to be the next Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, etc. As he worked his way around Arizona, and then throughout the country in a number of bands, Russ became adept at performing cover songs in both the rock and country genres. Playing clubs, bars, parties and opening up for national recording acts, Russ earned a living, all the while collecting many "life-on-the-road" stories...not a bad way to make a living as a young man! After landing a steady house gig playing in a local country music band in Phoenix, Russ rode a wave of country music success that earned him a comfortable living locally in a very successful band, and later as a solo act - playing 4 days a week for nearly 20 years at a popular Scottsdale, AZ establishment performing for locals and tourists from all over the world.
Russ has an extensive playlist of cover songs and originals in Classic Rock, Singer/Songwriter and Country styles, as well as many newer hits that he can perform depending on the venue and the crowd. He is a consummate professional who loves to entertain the audience, while also being a dependable, courteous and "Positive" presence and addition to any club, restaurant or private event!
Throughout his life, Russ has also written original music in various styles and genres. Toward the end of 2016, Russ decided that it was time to make a "Positive" music CD. This concept would turn out to be The Positive, an uplifting and hope-filled CD on which he collaborated with his good friend and award-winning Blues/R&B Artist, Paul Miles. The CD was well received locally and made the top 200 in the 2017 Grammy Nominations. The upbeat and thoughtful lyrics coupled with skillful instrumentation and varying genres ensures that there is something for everyone and, while still keeping the Positive vibe going. Since then, Russ has completed two more CD's (In Spirit - 2018 and Believe It! - 2020), with another CD already nearly finished as of this writing.
