George Russell - Guitar with Orchestra [CD]

Guitarist, composer and record promoter George H. Russell played guitar in recording sessions for the Nelson Riddle Orchestra among others, composed music for three ballets, and in the late 1940's helped form an instrumental and vocal trio called the Bachelors which recorded for various labels before disbanding in the mid 1950's. Russell launched his career as a record promoter in the late 1950's, working for the Mercury, Capitol and Columbia labels before becoming an independent promoter. Among Russell's clients were Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, Tony Bennett and Willie Nelson. Never abandoning his passion for the guitar, Russell recorded two solo guitar albums as well as the ambitious project presented here featuring Russell's guitar with a full orchestra aided by jazz greats Shelly Manne and Victor Feldman on percussion. Russell composed all the music and brought in the legendary Jimmie Haskell to handle the arranging chores. Finally available in the digital domain, "Guitar with Orchestra" has been newly re-mastered.