Frank’s Place

I'm Frank Russell and this is "Chicago’s Chi-Town View"

One of Chicago’s top musicians is Bassist, Frank Russell.  Frank lists Verdine White and Jaco Pastorius amongst his influences. Frank has performed with, and is now the official bassist Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  Frank’s latest project “Influences” is available on Itunes Amazon, CDbaby., and can be found on the various streaming services.

The album features appearances from longtime Ramsey Lewis guitarist and recording artist, Henry Johnson, renowned trumpet player Wallace Rooney, along with former Miles Davis music director and keyboardist Robert Irving III. 

Guitarist Henry Johnson

Henry Johnson, one of Chicago’s finest musicians and guitarist, is a long-time member of Ramsey Lewis’ band, as well as the Urban Knights. Like Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White and Fred White, Henry also performed with the great Donny Hathaway.
 
In August 2019, Henry performed in the Donny Hathaway tribute, and one of the songs played was an interpretation of Donny’s classic record “Flying Easy,” which you can find on Henry’s 1994 album “Missing You.” Performing on the album was Frank Russell-bass, Mike Logan-keys, Robert Gates-drums, Alex Acuna-percussions and Bob Gates -piano solo.
 
The band used a copy of the original chart penned by Donny during their recording session.
 
Another interesting fact to consider is that Mike Logan along with Bill Meyers is on keyboards for the Urban Knights debut album.

Robert Irving III - My Musical Mentor

Happy birthday to my musical mentor and brother for over 4 decades … the legendary composer/pianist/ Robert Irving III. Responsible for some of my recordings I’m most proud of. And this one was my dads favorite of mine, Decoy. He first wrote and recorded with the legendary Miles Davis in the 80’s.  This is my recording in 2018. 

 
Love you Maestro! On my recording is the late great trumpet genius and friend Wallace Roney, Robert Irving III keys, Henry Johnson guitar, Makaya McCraven drums and Tony Carpenter percussion. RIP Walls!

Henry Johnson

Henry Johnson, one of Chicago’s finest musicians and guitarist, is a long-time member of Ramsey Lewis’ band, the Urban Knights, and former member of Donny Hathaway’s band.  

Chicago-born, Henry began playing the guitar at age twelve, before moving to Memphis, TN with his family.  It was during those formative years that he got into gospel and R&B music, and jazz.  Henry’s earliest influences were Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Joe Williams, George Benson, and Wes Montgomery.

When Henry and his family moved back to Chicago in the late 60’s, he developed a reputation as one of best young jazz musicians on the Southside of Chicago.  

Henry’s accomplishments early in his career was impressive. He toured and recorded with the likes of jazz organist Jack McDuff, Donny Hathaway, Ramsey Lewis and jazz legend Joe Williams.  

“You’re The One,” Henry’s debut solo record, released on MCA/Impulse, reached  #1 status on both the Radio & Records NAC chart, and Contemporary Jazz chart for two months.  The recording also received a five star rating in Downbeat magazine, and was nominated for a Grammy. 

In September 2019, Ramey Lewis’ Urban Knights released their 7th album.  Still making it happen on guitar was Henry Johnson.  One of the highlights of the album was a beautiful reinterpretation of the groups “The Rose” which was initially released on the Urban Knights debut album which was produced by Maurice White.   The contemporary flavors to the arrangement, along with some serious musicianship from Henry Johnson on guitar, shows that Henry is still one of the best musicians in the business. 


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