Russell Hall Unleashes “Dragon of the South”: A Global Fusion of Jazz, Rock, and Roots
Bassist, composer, and vocalist Russell Hall has returned with a new album that defies categorization. Dragon of the South marks his third solo studio album and expands his sonic palette even further. Where 2023’s Black Caesar seemed to span eras with vintage jazz sounds and even a jig, the new album incorporates more of a geographic spread with sounds from Africa, South America, and Hall’s Caribbean roots.
“‘Dragon of the South’ is good times with your friends. There’s jazz on this album, there’s rock on this album, there’s folk music on this album. There’s music influenced by every pantheon of what Dizzy Gillespie called ‘our music,'” Hall says. “Harmony, bebop, culture, Africa, sounds, raging, absolute savagery, and tender moments. This album is a reflection of my travels over the past two years. I hope that when you listen to this, you get a good glimpse into my madness and my sadness, but ultimately, have a good time.”
A lot of those sounds and feelings are wrapped up in the opening track, “Dragon of the South (Obeah),” which begins with a talking drum groove before a full jazz band seeps into the soundscape. The music fades out again with an electrical buzzing, before Hall plays a frenetic bass solo that evolves into the song’s main bass line. Hall and his band push boundaries, riding a fine line between keeping a swing feel and all out cacophany, making for a thrilling musical expression.
Alongside new original songs, Hall includes an intimate take on the Gershwin standard “Embraceable You” and a driving version of Herbie Hancock’s “The Sorcerer.”
Dragon of the South is available now digitally through Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.
Dragon of the South Track List:
- Dragon of the South (Obeah)
- The Great Unknown
- Ace in the Hold (Type Shit)
- My Blue Flame
- Time Seems to Stop (in LA)
- The Sorcerer
- Embraceable You
- Bird’s Outta the Cage
- Looking Up at The Sky
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
