Russell Malone preview by Aarik Danielsen

“God give me style and give me grace / God put a smile upon my face.” These words were sung as a pleading prayer by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in a 2002 song by his band. While the Brit rockers’ sound is wholly different than that of guitarist Russell Malone, the band might as well have been singing about him. Whenever others sing the praises of the jazz veteran, they describe him as a debonair player whose strengths are expressed through poise and grace, not showing off.

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