Evento

Ralph LaLama/Lee Russo Quartet

Join us for an evening of swinging, straight ahead jazz when we pair one of New York Citys top tenor saxophonists, Ralph LaLama, with Capital Region star Lee Russo. Rounding out the quartet will feature the BOPITUDE rhythm section of Michael Benedict on drums and Mike Lawrence on bass. Dont miss this TENOR MADNESS!!
Ralph Lalama
Ralph LaLama grew up in West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, graduated from The Dana School of Music of Youngstown State University (Ohio) and was recognized there for his remarkable talent by the legendary Thad Jones, who encouraged him to come to New York. Since that time, LaLama has reached a dignified status as a widely respected master of the tenor through his achievements in the big bands of Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Carla Bley and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra - now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra - with whom he is a featured soloist on Monday nights at New Yorks Village Vanguard. His experience is vast and varied and includes appearances with Barry Harris, Harold Danko, Mel Torme, Carmen McRae, Tom Harrell and Joe Morello. He has recorded with Joe Morello, the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the Joe Lovano nonet.
Lalamas playing reveals an enormous depth of musical heart and knowledge. All About Jazz
Lee Russo
Lee Russo grew up in North Chatham, New York. He became interested in music at a young age. His father, Leo Russo who is also a saxophonist and a longtime Albany legend, inspired Lee by introducing him to the music of Stan Getz. Russo would go on to fall in love with the music of tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley. He attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and studied saxophone from Paul Evoskevich and later began improvisation lessons from guitarist Jack Fragomeni. Russo would go on to study and receive his degree at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. He subsequently began teaching music in the Niskayuna Central School District and eventually took a position at Guilderland High School where he currently directs two jazz ensembles and a concert band. Russo is one of the most in demand jazz musicians in the Capital District and frequently performs with the Empire Jazz Orchestra, Keith Prays Big Soul Ensemble and is a first call sideman for countless combos. Russo currently directs the Empire State Youth Repertory Jazz Ensemble.