The Leo Russo Trio Jazz at the Spring at Spring Street Gallery

Saxophone legend Leo Russo heats up the Spring with Mike Novakowski on Guitar and Lou Smaldone on bass.

We are delighted to host Leo Russo a Capital Region musical treasure. Now in his eighties, hes been a major figure on the area jazz scene for over fifty years, and still commands the bandstand with his signature sound. One of the greatest musicians to ever come out of the Capital District, Leos early career included working with the swing era bandleader Bobby Sherwood and then a stint on the West Coast in bands including a small group led by drummer Buddy Rich. Leo is a virtual encyclopedia of the jazz language and he imparted that knowledge to countless students teaching music for 26 years, in the Troy School District. He continues to grace listeners with his beautiful saxophone sound. For this performance Leo has handpicked two consummate sidemen from our rich talent pool, Mike Novakowski on Guitar and Lou Smaldone on bass ...

read more

Saxophone legend Leo Russo heats up the Spring with Mike Novakowski on Guitar and Lou Smaldone on bass.

We are delighted to host Leo Russo a Capital Region musical treasure. Now in his eighties, hes been a major figure on the area jazz scene for over fifty years, and still commands the bandstand with his signature sound. One of the greatest musicians to ever come out of the Capital District, Leos early career included working with the swing era bandleader Bobby Sherwood and then a stint on the West Coast in bands including a small group led by drummer Buddy Rich. Leo is a virtual encyclopedia of the jazz language and he imparted that knowledge to countless students teaching music for 26 years, in the Troy School District. He continues to grace listeners with his beautiful saxophone sound. For this performance Leo has handpicked two consummate sidemen from our rich talent pool, Mike Novakowski on Guitar and Lou Smaldone on bass

Guitarist Mike Novakowski has played for many years with Leo. He performs regularly with the Teresa Broadwell Band and has frequently performed with the Empire Jazz Orchestra. His tasty, swinging, Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall-influenced style fits hand-in-glove with Leos melodic approach.

Lou Smaldone is a seasoned bassist and in demand sideman in the Albany Area and beyond. His formal education included time at Schenectady County Community College and The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Inspired by the bass stylings of greats Paul Chambers & Charles Mingus, Smaldone relishes the opportunity to provide the foundation for the trios forays into musical storytelling. Smaldones effortless time keeping and always in the pocket propulsion is the hallmark of this active listener and inspired sideman.

show less