Gene Russell

Gene Russell, a pianist and organist rooted in hard bop, established the influential Oakland imprint Black Jazz Records that specialized in 1970s funk and soul-jazz. Vinyl enthusiasts and DJs continue to prize the catalog, which featured Walter Bishop, Jr., Doug Carn, Henry Franklin, and additional artists. After issuing his Dot Records debut in 1967, Russell placed his subsequent efforts on his own label, among them New Direction in 1971 and Talk to My Lady the following year.

Russell entered the world in 1932 and spent his childhood in Los Angeles already at the piano. He pursued studies at Juilliard in New York and performed alongside Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Zoot Sims, and the Three Sounds. Two hard bop albums from 1967 also appeared under his name: Takin' Care of Business and Up and Away. Eventually relocating to Oakland, California, he founded Black Jazz Records in 1969 to highlight Black practitioners of jazz, soul, and funk. Percussionist Dick Schory, who owned the Ovation label, supplied partial financing. During the imprint’s six-year existence the roster quickly drew notice for spiritual jazz duo Doug and Jean Carn, ex-Count Basie Band bassist Cleveland Eaton, bassist Henry Franklin, guitarist Calvin Keys, vocalist Kellee Patterson, and further musicians. Russell likewise documented his own work for the company, resulting in New Direction (1971) and Talk to My Lady (1972).

He sold Black Jazz Records by 1975 and started Aquarican Records, shifting emphasis toward soul and funk while reducing jazz output. Vocalist Talita Long, mother of actress Nia Long, joined the roster and the pair issued Autumn Leaves in 1981. Russell passed away abruptly that same year at age 48. In the years after his death the Black Jazz catalog acquired a devoted following as DJs and hip-hop artists sought out the titles. Real Gone Music mounted an extensive reissue program for the label in 2020.