Russell has a boundless fascination and aptitude for everything to do with music.

He is a talented saxophonist and also loves to play the guitar, bass and piano.   As well as playing saxophone for Ten Millennia, Russell lectures at Leeds College of Music on their pop and jazz courses.

Russell finds it difficult to stick to one particular musical genre.  He was raised on Motown, yet loves to listen to jazz, modern alternative rock and pop.  He is passionate about artists such as Unknown Mortal Orchestra, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, early 20th century composers such as Bartok and Stravinsky, technical polymetric metal band, Meshuggah, and funk and soul including Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and The Meters.

Recently, Russell toured with Martha and the Vandellas.  He describes it as an incredible experience to play music with the original artists.  He has known those songs since he was a wee boy and was delighted to learn that Martha knows all the arrangements inside out and she loves to interact and improvise with the rest of the musicians on stage.

“The sax is more like a tool I use to contribute to a piece of music.  I believe that the whole point of music is that you never learn everything.

I would describe myself as a fellow student who is slightly further down the path than those I teach. I love working with Ten Millennia, because my fellow band members are completely open to experimentation. We just love playing music together and are happy to learn from each other.”

Russell’s activities when away from the band are just as diverse as his musical tastes. He enjoys activities such as walking, mountain biking, snooker, cooking, cars, travelling – particularly exploring the UK – DIY and snowboarding. He thrives on variety!