[3] Russell's fiery music was marked by significant humor, not unlike much of Dutch drummer Han Bennink's output.
In the 1950s he worked with musicians including Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and Duke Ellington.
[5] In 1959, he joined the Joe Daley Trio, whose Newport' 1963, which was mostly studio material, was reputedly one of the earliest free jazz records.
In 1979, Russell formed the NRG Ensemble,[1] which for most of its existence featured saxophonist Mars Williams, multi-instrumentalist Brian Sandstrom, and percussionist Steve Hunt, among others.
[5] Cited by some as a missing link between the AACM and later Chicago free jazz, Russell was experiencing greater public awareness before his death.