A world-class guitarist by anyone’s definition, California-born Russ Spiegel is also a composer, arranger, big band leader, mixing engineer, educator and much more, including a world traveler.

Though not entirely, much of the music on his brand new recording Caribbean Blue is a tip of the hat to some of his destinations and the cultures he’s experienced, and homage to many of the genres of music he loves, and, perhaps most importantly, a reminder of just how small the world really is.

Throughout his distinguished career, the now Miami-based Spiegel has had the opportunity to have traveled to, perform in, and explore as far flung as Australia, New Zealand, India, Israel, Turkey, Argentina, all around Europe and of course, throughout the Western Hemisphere.

1. The Underdown Groove
2. E.22nd St
3. Caribbean Blue
4. Island Song
5. Slippery Slope
6. Inquietude
7. Retribution Blues
8. The Streets Of Milan
9. Smooth Move
10. Coda

The new recording opens on the wholly captivating The Underdown Groove and the addictive samba rhythms within E.22nd St and then brings us the pensive, thoughtful Caribbean Blue, the melodious hipsway of Island Song and the swinging Slippery Slope.

Up next is the languishing Inquietude and the jazz-blues of Retribution Blues, which are themselves followed by the embolden The Streets Of Milan, the album rounding out on the contemporary jazz feel of the aptly-titled Smooth Move, coming to a close on the delightfully impassioned Coda.

On this musical journey evidenced here, Spiegel travels with an all-star cast of players starting with multi-Grammy Award winning trumpeter extraordinaire Brian Lynch and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Tim Armacost, one of the most vibrant voices on the New York jazz scene, with the outstanding jazz trombonist Javier Nero rounding out the horn section. Added to this eclectic mix is New York-based German jazz harmonica virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens, a major proponent of the Brazilian genre.

Also, on tap is one of the most talented keyboardists on the planet, Jim Gasior providing harmonic support for the group on the organ with an infusion of muscle and grace along with Miami-based and in-demand drummer Lucas Apostoleris providing the rocket-fuel for this ensemble. Vocalist Ben Beal completes this illustrious lineup adding his luscious talents to Spiegel’s piece, “Inquietude.”

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