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Guitarist Russell Malone and His Quartet, Including Pianist Rick Germanson, Bassist Gerald Cannon and Drummer Willie Jones III, to Perform in Jazz Room Series at William Paterson University on October 18

The Russell Malone Quartet will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 at William Paterson University in Wayne. The performance will take place at the University’s Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus as part of the Jazz Room Series.

Tickets are available at the Shea Center Box Office in advance at 973.720.2371 or wp-presents.org for $15 general; $12 senior citizens, William Paterson faculty, staff and alumni; and $8 for non-William Paterson students. There will be an additional $3 charge per ticket purchased on show day. William Paterson students may attend free of charge with valid ID.

After sitting in on a performance and being taught by jazz organ giant Jimmy Smith one night in Atlanta, Malone joined his group from 1988 to 1990. Malone later joined the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band and then played on three Grammy-nominated albums with Diana Krall.

Malone first recorded as a leader in 1992, when he released his self-titled debut album for Columbia. Recently, he toured as a member of the Golden Stricker Trio that included bassist Ron Carter and the late William Paterson jazz director Mulgrew Miller. He also has toured with Bobby Hutcherson, Benny Green, and Hank Jones, and, in 2010, he became a member of the Sonny Rollins band. He also performs with his own band, The Russell Malone Quartet.  In addition to performing with numerous jazz artists, Malone has performed alongside Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, B.B. King and Christina Aguilera. He was named Guitarist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2011.

Launched in 1978, the Jazz Room is one of the largest and most prestigious college-sponsored jazz events in the country. Performers include renowned professionals who encompass the complete spectrum of jazz, as well as William Paterson’s own student ensembles. The series has won numerous grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for its innovative programming. 

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