Russell Jewell, a professional trombonist originally from Chicago, has been a prominent figure in the East Coast music scene since becoming a charter member of the Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra, winner of Downbeat and Boston Music Awards. From 1985 to 1995, Russell’s musical journey took him across North America and Europe, performing concerts and conducting clinics in numerous schools and colleges. His festival appearances include prestigious events such as the North Sea Festival in Holland, Pori Jazz Festival in Finland, DuMaurier Festivals in Canada, Monterey Jazz, and performances at iconic New York City venues like the Knitting Factory, Sweet Basil’s, and the Village Gate.

A versatile musician, Russell has immersed himself in Caribbean music, performing Haitian Conga, Trinidadian Soca, and Salsa in locations including Panama and Haiti. His collaborations extend to soul singer Mighty Sam McClain, with whom he toured festivals throughout Europe, Russia, and the United States. Currently, Russell performs with Cambridge’s Bad Art Ensemble, the Latin group RumbaNama, and salsero Edwin Pabon. He is also a co-founder of Grupo Mambique, a Pan-American chamber group featuring trombonist legend Jim ‘Mondongo’ Messbauer and percussionists Manolo Mairena and Norberto Lopez. Their 2003 release, “Purple Cha Cha Heels” on the Accurate label, received critical acclaim.

Russell’s musical education is as diverse as his performance career. He studied classical trombone with Tim Meyers of the St. Louis Symphony at the University of Illinois and with Don Sanders of the Boston Ballet. His jazz studies included work with Jerry Bergonzi, Phil Wilson, Tony Lada, and Herb Pomeroy. He has also pursued Latin percussion studies, focusing on conga drums, with Mikael Ringquist of Berklee College of Music, Manolo Mairena, and Israel Pabon.

Since 1997, Russell has been a dedicated brass instructor at the Brookline Music School, teaching trombone, baritone horn, tuba, and trumpet to hundreds of students in private and group settings. His annual recitals for young players and their families have been standing-room-only events for two decades. Russell also plays trumpet for the Congregational Church in Grafton, Massachusetts, where he resides with his wife, Stephanie.