John Russell

Early exposure to jazz via British trad bands on radio but then completely overwhelmed by hearing recordings of Django Rheinhardt. Self taught on guitar and played with a variety of dance bands in 1960 amd own band ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, playing ‘Beatles’ and Rhythm and Blues music. In the 1970s sat in with bands of Hamish McGregor and Charlie McNair. In 1980, with trumpeter Dave Strutt, formed ‘Swing 1980’, the band which incrementally increased its name by one year each year. Also played with ‘Ralph Laing All Stars’, ‘Alex Yellowless Hot Club’ and the ‘Scottish Jazz All Stars’. In 2020, continues to lead ‘Swing 2020’, now operating as a trio but with guest horn players making up the numbers each week. Their Malt Shovel gig became one of the longest running of all Edinburgh jazz residencies. Later, their residency moved to Divino Enoteca in Merchant Street. Still going strong in 2020.