Gene Russell

The seminal ‘New Direction’ was the first album that pianist Gene Russell released on the legendary Black Jazz label that he established in 1971. Backed by a band that included double bassist Henry Franklin and drummer Steve Clover, Russell nestles into slow blues, rattles through forceful Latin grooves and even puts a new slant on Stevie Wonder’s ‘My Cherie Amour’. With this album and the rest of Black Jazz’s small output, Russell helped redefine ‘soul jazz’.

PERSONNEL:

• Gene Russell - piano
• Henry Franklin - bass
• Steve Clover - drums
• Tony William - congas

TRACKS:

• 01. Black Orchid
• 02. Hitting The Jug
• 03. Willow Weep For Me
• 04. Listen Here
• 05. On Green Dolphin Street
• 06. Silver's Serenade
• 07. My Cherie Amour
• 08. Making Bread