

Photo by Jason Kruppa

The desire to create begins with inspiration. Electronic music is constantly being reinvented as new technology arises and innovative minds are able to mold it like clay. There is a depth to the bass music movement that has spawned an entire community. Many of the most successful producers and DJs have instrumental roots which influence their creations. Known for his skills on brass, wind and reed instruments, Russ Liquid is not only a talented musician but a masterful composer and producer as well.

Russell Scott is a Portland, Oregon native who is trained in the trumpet, saxophone, and flute, among other things. He artfully braids the music of the past, present, and future into a cohesive sound that is as viscous as honey and twice as sweet. Between mixing live instrumentation with electronic soundscapes and incorporating samples from classics like Prokofiev's "Dance of the Knights," it is apparent that Russ Liquid's musical knowledge is vast. Having found most of his success as a solo act, he has decided to expand his sound by joining forces with guitarist Andrew Block and drummer Alvin Ford Jr. to create The Russ Liquid Test. Their debut seven-track EP titled 1984 will be released by All Good Records in early November. It showcases a rich sonic palette that explores treble, bass, rhythm and everything in between.

Profoundly influenced by jazz bandleaders such as Dizzy Gillespie, the Russ Liquid Test emerged from a desire to return to the vibrancy and tradition of an ensemble. In addition to expanding his one-man-act, he also wanted to infuse his compositions with a classic sound. Another stylistic element that Russ looks to is second-line drumming, an old New Orleans' tradition that occurs during brass band parades. Behind the main section of the parade, or first-line, follows the second-line, which usually consists of dancers, twirlers and snare drummers. This particular style of drumming became an iconic sound of New Orleans' jazz and rhythm 'n' blues and Russ Liquid found a way to integrate it into his newest project.



Photo by Jason Kruppa

Aiming for a particular style, Russ hand-picked his team of musicians like a curator with the intent of creating a sound that is as familiar as it is unique. "We wanted to create something that embodies both the modern sound of electronic music with the rich heritage of New Orleans' music," explains Russ. "So, we mashed up electronic production with the sounds of New Orleans' second-line in a very unique way that is both future and vintage."

Guitarist Andrew Block emerged from the vibrant culture of New Orleans and is hailed in the jazz community as an expert musician in funk, soul, and rhythm 'n' blues. He has shared the stage with Dr. John, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Eric Krasno, Adam Deitch, George Porter Jr., Oteil Burbridge, and now The Russ Liquid Test. "Honesty is sort of the culmination of what Russ and I hope to achieve, which is combining our backgrounds in live music and modern production techniques," Block says. "The great artists that have came out of New Orleans like Louis Armstrong, The Meters, Allen Toussaint, James Booker, and Willie T, and even in hip hop with Master P and Lil Wayne, were always creating something new and moving music forward, and while Russ and I weren't born and raised here, we still feel a connection to those guys and look to follow in their footsteps."

While Alvin Ford Jr., who also plays with Pretty Lights and Dumpstaphunk, provided drums on their single, "Honesty," they recruited Nick Mercadel as their touring drummer. Both percussionists contribute their own signature sound to The Russ Liquid Test keeping the project diverse with a dash of improvisation. "The glue of this piece is the live drums with its second-line-esque snare rolls and a huge horn section," Russ explains as he describes "Honesty." In addition to Russ' contributions on trumpet, keys, turntables and much more, he also features Eric Bloom of Lettuce on the trumpet, building a thick sound that is unlike any other electronic ensemble.

While 1984 with its lead single, "Honesty," is beautifully composed and mastered, it is their live performance that is truly captivating. The heavy hitting bass vibrations combined with live drums and instruments as well as funky dance beats creates a fully body experience that is nothing short of euphoric. In addition to their voluptuous sounds, each member excretes an exuberance that infects the crowd with inspiration, beginning a whole new cycle of creativity.