April 11, 2005 – Eddie Russell, a native Crucian, is one of the most well-known and talented Jazz artists in the entire Caribbean, and the Frederiksted Economic Development Association is proud to feature The Eddie Russell Quelbe Jazz Band for this month's Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted.
Quelbe Jazz is the natural fusion of the musical experiences that have been Eddie Russell's life from the Jazz jam sessions in New York, to the dance halls of the Caribbean, to big city concert halls and ballrooms worldwide.
Eddie Russell is from a musical family whose members also include his daughter, flautist (and lawyer) Diane Russell, and his brother, guitarist (and lawyer and senator) Ronald Russell. He began playing trumpet professionally at age 15, formed his first group, Eddie & The Playboys, in 1964. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree in music from the City College of New York and his master's from Queens College.
Russell has played and studied with such music legends as Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Garrison, James Moody, The Mighty Sparrow and Sam & Dave. In November 2004 Russell was the featured artist for the Jazz in the Moonlight concert produced by St. John's Steve Simon.
He can be heard on the "Mr. Bow Tie" CD of jazz bass master Ron Carter. He also is a prolific composer and a music educator.
The wonderful talent sharing the stage with Russell on Friday, April 15, will be Anysa "Onyx" Sharif performing as lead vocalist and percussionist; Wilfred "Junie Bomba" Allick, on congas; Rene Encarnacion on congas and percussion, and Mario Russell on standing bass.
Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted, presented by FEDA, is held on the third Friday of each month in Fort Frederik Beach Park on the beach in Frederiksted. Beginning at 6 p.m. and going for two hours, the title ties in to the timing and the setting — the sun slips beneath the horizon somewhere in that two-hour period pretty much all year 'round, and the waterfront affords a spectacular view as it does. Having evolved into one of the premier jazz events in the Territory, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted is a guarantee of wonderful music, wonderful venue, and a wonderful opportunity to mingle with friends, neighbors and visitors.
Admission is free, and with its early evening hours, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted is a family-oriented affair. Attendees are reminded by Sunset Jazz producer, Bridget Cox-Dawson, to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. FEDA operates a cash bar with proceeds going toward the costs of producing the jazz programs. Hispanos Unidos sells food to raise funds for its community outreach projects. Please be cool: no coolers!
FEDA is joined in it's efforts to present Sunset Jazz by WTJX Channel 12. The public television station assists every month through their video taping of Sunset Jazz which is rebroadcast Saturday nights at 8 p.m. As a reminder, Sunny 99.5 FM is now the Official Radio Station of Sunset Jazz, so be sure and tune in to stay up to date on all of the jazz happenings!
Concertgoers are encouraged to stay downtown after the music's over, to dine at one of Fredeirksted's fine restaurants and enjoy the Frederiksted night life.
For more information, e-mail to sunset_jazz@hotmail.com, or call 277-0692.
