Frank Russo

Biography

Frank Russo joyfully paints colorful soundscapes with his highly skilled, passionate, musical drumming. He is an in-demand performer, recording artist, and educator who currently resides in Maryland and teaches at Towson University. He is also an artist/educator for Bosphorus Cymbals, MD Drums and The Vic Firth Education Team performing clinics at festivals and universities across the United States and throughout the world. Raised in the New York City area, he was steeped in the rich musical heritage of the Jazz legends at an early age and carriers on the legacy of a musical family. Russo completed a distinguished career with the prestigious Naval Academy Band where he performed in and led several dynamic ensembles. He was stationed in Annapolis, San Diego, Great Lakes, Monterey, and Norfolk during his career.

An incredibly adaptable musician, a partial list of his performances eloquently testifies to his diverse talent. He has performed with Wessell “warmdaddy” Anderson, Dave Ballou, Keter Betts, Ralph Bowen, The Coasters, Jeff Coffin, Hal Crook, Steve Davis, John D’earth, Denis DiBlasio, Ethel Ennis, Michael Feinstein, George Garzone, Greg Gisbert, Lee Greenwood, Tim Hagans, Craig Handy, Conrad Herwig, Ingrid Jensen, Frankie Lane, Mundell Lowe, Donny McCaslin, Tim Miller, Chuck Redd, Ali Ryerson, Dave Samuels, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Frankie Valli, Bill Watrous, Walt Weiskopf, among others.

Highlights of his performances include Jazz Festivals in the US, Canada, Asia, Europe, The Kennedy Center, and many others. Russo is a Summit Records Recording Artist whose recordings have gained national recognition and praise from Downbeat, Jazztime, and Modern Drummer among others.

He is proud to perform exclusively on maple drums designed by Keith Larsen (Baltimore Drum Company), Bosphorus cymbals and Vic Firth sticks.