Russell van den Berg

'In a world teeming with saxophone players it is rare to find someone who is developing something genuine and personal. Russell van den Berg should be given every chance to do just this.
To ignore this talent is to miss out on an expressive, creative and exciting new voice'
Tim Garland

Russell van den Berg is an award winning, in demand, British Saxophonist. With recent accolades by the likes of Randy Brecker and Mike Stern for his new album "A Virtual Joyride", he's also as comfortable surrounded by the likes of Kenny Wheeler, to being a featured soloist in UK contemporary big bands or large ensemble.

 This cd is full of sustained great, unique playing and writing. One can just feel the joy that these close friends must conjure up on the bandstand. - Randy Brecker

To name a few Russell has worked with:
Rob McConnell Big Band, Carla Bley, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann, Phil Lee, Phil Woods, Laurence Cottle Qt. Clark Tracy Qnt. Anita Wardel, John Warren, Nikki Iles, Mike Walker, Hans Koller, Nick Weldon/Andra Sparks Qnt., Bill LeSage, Digby Fairwether, Jeff Clyne, London Jazz Orchestra (LJO), the contemporary Jazz ensemble “Arrange of Space”, the Steve Waterman Quintet and the Kenny Wheeler Sxt/Qnt. Over the years his own projects include "Chamber group" (with John Parricelli and Henry Lowther). Various Quintet’s (featuring Mike Walker, Phil Peskett Tim Giles & Laurence Cottle), various Quartets (featuring Laurence Cottle, Robin Aspland and Clark Tracy/Gary Willcox.

Russell is a highly experienced and respected educator from Trinity College of Music and the Royal Academy (where he lectured and coached many successful students now on the London Jazz scene).
Currently he works alongside pianist Jamil sheriff, sharing the full time posts in Jazz at Leeds College of Music (The UK's Leading & Progressive Music College), acting as Senior Lecturer and the face of the Jazz Department. Here Russell is in charge of special study, meaning the 1:1 and ensemble organization and staffing directives, as well as curriculum development and enhancement initiatives to enrich the department with a progressive outlook.

Russell is always in the search to experiment different genres of music and adapt as musically appropriate to whom he works with, not just Jazz, but also Pop/Soul and certain areas of Folk too. With the intention to explore and travel more outside the UK, over the coming years there's more to expect in terms of collaboration and performances in Europe.

With a growing discography, including four solo albums and many as a sideman, he also continues to lead his own evolving regular group “Centre-Line” a co-lead venture with drummer Darren Altman.
 
He is a an award winning composer and arranger and has received several commissions.
Russell has acquired many accolades over the years from critics, as well as his peers he continues to look up to. (see review download at the top of the page) You can hear samples of Russ at My Space and with his co-lead group Centre-Line at www.myspace.com/centrelinemusic

'Russell van den Berg has impressed everyone who has heard him over the last few years. You can hear just why so many people are talking about him, as he crafts every solo with his trademark combination of wonderful control and lively, angular melodic ideas.'
Jazz UK magazine