Russ Hewitt
"...listeners will be blown away by the tapestry of sound Hewitt weaves." Wildy Haskell, WildysWorld.blogspot 6-5-09
"...Russ has been referred to as a “guitar god,” and with good reason! The man can play!!!" interview from Kathy Parsons, Mainly piano 5-26-09
"Get used to hearing and saying the name because this guitar virtuoso is a star in the making."
Beth Lewis, listening loft - smoothjazz.com
"It is always an exciting moment for any reviewer to see a birth of a new star."
Serge Kozlovsky.com ( Belarus ) 4-7-09
"... he infuses each tune with his own unique character, the way (all) music was
meant to be played." Rotcod Zzaj, improvijazzation nation 4-23-09
"...really rather beautiful and just the soundtrack album for a warm summers
evening." Paul Riley, Total Music Magazine ( UK ) 4-17-09
"In 20+ years in the Dallas music scene, i have never encountered this level of talent." Mark Beneventi, Lit Monthly 4-1-09
"...completely envelop listeners throughout..." Dan Kaplin, The Celebrity Cafe 2-22-09
" He is the embodiment of his craft...." Kevin White, Harder Beat Dec/Jan issue
"Impeccably recorded...Hewitt is nothing less than a guitar virtuoso..." Kathy Parsons, Mainly piano 1-28-09
" Simply a wonderful outing..." Chris Spector, Midwest Record 1-26-09
"...contains some of the most colorful,vibrant and exotic Latin/flamenco-style smooth jazz found on any shore." Ronald Jackson, Smooth Jazz Vibes ( Switzerland ) 1-4-09
" I love the way Russ uses his fluid fingering skills..." Rich Soos, Eartaste 1-4-09
"Brilliant fuse of flamenco and smooth contemporary jazz...amazing precise fretwork..."
Randy K , Jazzuality ( Indonesia ) 2-5-09
"Such a beautiful,emotional and sometimes haunting serving of nuevo flamenco..."
Christie Banks, Palm Living Magazines 2-10-09
"...uncanny ability to write melodies that speak to the soul...." Scott, Dr.Music 3-25-09
"...you'll dig instantly the infectious tunes..." Jonathan Widran, Jazz Monthly 3-1-09
"...showcases to perfection his burgeoning ability as a songwriter." Denis Poole, Smooth Jazz Therapy ( United Kingdom ) 3-15-09
"Exhibits strength in its spiritedness and zest..." Micheal Haley, indie-music 3-7-09
"...aims to redefine ' nuevo flamenco'..." La Factoria Del Ritmo ( Mexico ) 4-1-09
"Russ Hewitt mixes it up with a unique blend of neuvo flamenco, Latin and jazz styles that is flowing with passion and grace. The result is fresh, fluid, and captivating. Truly a master of the guitar, Russ Hewitt's music is not to be missed."
Gerry Regensburg
smoothmix.com radio
Russ Hewitts blend of Nuevo Flamenco and funky Latin beats is enough to make even the most conservative of people "run" to the dance floor, yet at the same time perfect for smooth, easy listening. It's the best of both worlds, and I am waiting impatiently for the next offering from Russ Hewitt.
Tyler Romero
Music Director
KYTE-FM
"It has been an honor to bring your music to our listeners around the planet. “BaJo el Sol” is a great release for you and I enjoy these tracks myself."
Drmike
Michael Matheny
RadioIO Suite of JAZZ
"One word comes to mind when you listen to this CD - S-W-E-E-T! I really enjoyed it. Check it out."
Jackie Anderson
Host - Midday Jazz
WJAB 90.9 FM
"Russ Hewitt's CD 'Bajo El Sol' is thoughtful and provoking. Hewitt adds a softer touch to the tracks that will charm Latin Jazz devotees and yet makes the tracks accessible to a wider audience without surrendering to commercial pressures. We can't wait to hear more!"
Ed Tankus
President & General Manager
Blue Plate Radio, LLC
"Russ Hewitt's debut CD "Bajo el Sol" adds a festive flavor to the Smooth Jazz genre."
- DJ Walker, GrooveSuite.com
BIO:
Blending Latin, jazz and flamenco styles, guitarist Russ Hewitt brews an intoxicating oasis of sound on Bajo el Sol, Hewitt’s long-awaited 10-song debut solo album. Hewitt’s lightning runs on guitar and strong "rumba flamenco" rhythms are fused with Arabic and Indian textures on songs like “Byzantine,” “Inger” and “Simati (View from the Great Wall).” With an extensive use of exotic scales and a keen sense for composition, Hewitt’s evocative instrumental music speaks volumes. Bajo el Sol, or Under the Sun, was inspired by Hewitt’s travels: “After backpacking through Europe and traveling in Turkey, China and Egypt, I was so awed by my exposure to the authentic music of each region. I was also able to jam with players on my travels as well, which was amazing. When I got home, I was inspired to create the original music on Bajo el Sol that I call “Latin world.”
A University of North Texas graduate in classical performance and a seasoned studio musician, he is no stranger to the Dallas music scene. As part of acclaimed Texas bands including Whipping Post and Hollow, Hewitt won both electric and acoustic category in Z-Rock radio’s prestigious "guitar slinger" contest. Then, after Dimebag Darrell’s untimely death, Hewitt filled in for Dime in the cover band Gasoline, playing with drummer Vinnie Paul and bass players Rex Brown and Bobzilla for a prestigious 2005 New Year’s Eve gig. As a member of Whipping Post and Hollow, Hewitt opened for national acts including Zakk Wylde, Quiet Riot, Sammy Hagar, Infectious Grooves,
Thin Lizzy and Saigon Kick, earning kudos as “Top 10 Acts of the Year,” “Band to Look Out For” and “Next Big Thing.” Dallas music critics dubbed Hewitt a “guitar god,” and a “phenom,” noting “Russ has a vision in music that is only found in true artists.” Hewitt is humbler about his critically acclaimed axe-work, noting, “as long as I’m playing guitar, that’s all that matters.”
Hewitt’s debut, Bajo el Sol, is sure to be met with high anticipation. The album is a labor of love: Hewitt completed the entire record, but scrapped it and re-recorded everything with producer Bob Parr ( Mozart modern ). “The first effort was good, but I didn’t want to ‘settle’ on anything,” Hewitt explains. “I knew I could make something really special; we thought of what would be our dream team and made it happen.” Hewitt worked with world-famous players Walfredo Reyes Jr (Santana, Strunz and Farah, Ricky Martin) on drums, Raphael Padilla (Miami Sound Machine, Shakira) on percussion, Bob Parr (Cher, Brian Setzer Orchestra) on bass, and flamenco guitar prodigy Alfredo Caceres. With over 220 gigs in 2008, Hewitt’s seasoned band expresses flair, facility, and bravura.
"Bajo el Sol" was received with great comercial and critical praise. Released in the winter of '08 the first single,'Bajo el Sol', reached the top 20 and the second single,'Lydia', reached the top 15 on Smooth Jazz stations for over 21 weeks and counting.
On Bajo el Sol, Hewitt’s considerable promise is fulfilled, and it’s clear he’s as talented as a Latin, jazz and flamenco stylist as he is a revered rock shredder. Hewitt and his band plan to do the festival circuit in 2009, and, he concludes, “I’ve been doing Nuevo Flamenco for the last 10 years, so although it’s new to my rock audience, it’s second nature to me. I’m so excited this album has finally come together. I called it Bajo el Sol because it’s all about bringing together music from around the world ‘Under the Sun.’
As they say, music is the universal language, and I hope my record speaks to everyone.”
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