John Russell

Three duos and a Quaqua. Russell's monthly Mopomoso concerts usually end with him playing a duo - this CD contains three examples. The guitarist's first duo with tenor saxophonist GARRY TODD was in 1975 and appeared on a long deleted Incus LP - this is a reunion 30 years later. An ongoing duo has been that of Russell and jazz trumpeter HENRY LOWTHER - not as unlikely as it may seem. CHEFA ALONSO, who plays soprano saxophone and percussion, is a new encounter for the guitarist. Also included is the nine-piece Quaqua that Russell organised for the 2006 FREEDOM OF THE CITY festival with NICOLE LEGROS & JEAN-MICHEL VAN SCHOUWBURG (voices), STEFAN KEUNE (alto saxophone), PHILIPP WACHSMANN (violin), ASHLEY WALES (piano), IVOR KALLIN (double bass), JAVIER CARMONA (percussion), and STEVE BERESFORD electronics). 78 minutes.