Russell Malone, jazz guitarist, has passed at age 60. [View all]

Russell Malone, one of my favorite jazz guitarists, died of a massive heart attack after a concert performance in Japan.

I first discovered him on a Diane Krall recording. He played with her from 1994-1998.

Born in Albany, Georgia, Malone first explored guitar at age 4 and was playing in church two years later. Largely self-taught, he moved to Houston after graduating from high school and played with organist Al Rylander. He moved to Atlanta in 1985 before relocating to New York, where he played with organ legend Jimmy Smith from 1988 to 1990.

Malone’s profile increased when he joined Harry Connick Jr.’s band in 1990. He played with the then-rapidly rising star until 1994 and made a deep impact on the pianist/vocalist/actor. “From the moment I met Russell, well over 30 years ago, I knew my life was about to change for the better,” Connick wrote, in an email to DownBeat. “Russell’s musical brilliance, his encyclopedic knowledge of American music and deeply soulful, skillful artistic personality were unmatched. But what I’ll miss the most are his giant, sensitive, goofy heart and fierce sense of humor.”

https://downbeat.com/news/detail/remembering-russell-malone-1963-2024

Here is one of my favorite Malone solos. Diane Reeves said he never had a misplaced note. This solo demonstrates his sublime musicality. Mr. Malone RIP.