Performance made possible by Ed Blanco

PERSONNEL

Tim Armacost, saxophone

Russ Spiegel, guitar

Jim Gasior, organ/piano

Kurt Hengstebeck, electric bass

Lucas Apostoleris, drums

Channeling the spirited energy of hard bop with the progressive aesthetics of rock music, Spiegel carves out his own niche in the contemporary jazz scene.

—Troy Collins, All About Jazz

A highly dynamic and energetic musician, Miami-based Russ Spiegel has made a name for himself as a guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. From hard swinging, groovy, and melodic Modern & Post-Modern Jazz to Funk, Soul, & Latin to Rock & Blues, this sophisticated guitarist is the full package. Russ can be heard at jazz festivals and concerts across the globe.

His seventh studio album, Nitty Gritty is set for release at the end of March 2025. Caribbean Blue (2023) garnered international critical acclaim, reaching #5 on the JazzWeek Charts and remained in their Top 20 for eight weeks. Along with writing scores for film and television productions, Russ composes and arranges music for all types of ensembles, especially big bands. He has also appeared in film and on television as both an actor and musician. Russ holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Composition from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. He also travels the world giving workshops and masterclasses. He presently teaches at Florida International University and Miami Dade College, Kendall.