Kool Jazz Under A Full Moon

M.A. Dworkin

The Eddie Russell Band is one of the most iconic musical groups in the USVI. They hold that esteemed position because the beat of their music sets the tone for jazz in the islands. When they recently took over the CMCArts courtyard stage for the Simone L. Palmer Concert Series, the full moon was shining a beacon of light over the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, while the contagious beat of the Eddie Russell Band seemed to drive the audience into a full moon frenzy.  

Eddie drives that trumpet of his as if he were snatching Satchmo, Miles and Dizzy from the pearly gates and delivering them back into the arms of every jazz lover who rocketed out of sight when they first heard Miles’ Birth of the Cool, Satchmo’s What a Wonderful World, and Dizzy’s Afro-Cuban Manteca.

Eddie Russell started his first band, Eddie and the Playboys, in 1964, when he was 15 years old. Six decades later he is still passionate about jazz.

“The beauty isn’t over. There’s always something more to go and work at,” Mr. Russell once stated. “I have the desire to contribute something of worth. My mission is to bring the community together through music.”

A Crucian by birth, Eddie picked up a ukulele at age ten and found his love for music. He played trumpet at St. Patrick’s School where the Mother Superior taught students to read music, and the local men who had been in military bands taught the kids how to play instruments. He played trumpet in the Archie Thomas Band and the Wesley Thomas Combo when he was fourteen.

“I have to admit, there were many nights when I was out way past curfew,” Mr. Russell stated.

He went to New York City after graduating from Christiansted High School to earn his chops in the city’s vibrant music scene. He wound up playing with some of the jazz greats, including Wynton Marsalis, the Blues Busters, Hopeton Lewis and Sam & Dave. He has done tours in Europe and on Jazz Cruises around the world. 

“One of the highlights of my career was playing a tribute to Jimmy Heath in NYC,” Mr. Russell added.

He came back to St. Croix in 1977 and started a teaching career at Eulalie Rivera Elementary School and Juanita Gardine Elementary School where he started bands with the students.

“They see school isn’t a complete drag,” he said. “School can be fun when the kids learn to play an instrument and understand and appreciate what music is all about.”

Mr. Russell and his bandmates play to standing room only crowds at venues all over St. Croix. 

“I just love the sound of his horn,” said an Eddie Russell fan who was in the audience. “That vibe he gives off reaches deep into your soul. His music has the power to transport you to another place,” she told the St. Croix Times.   

It could just have been that the whole audience was transported to another place on that full moon night under the stars at CMCArts. And man, oh man, were they diggin’ it!

How could they not, with Barb’s Bites doing the food that was definitely off the gastronomical charts. Those beef & potato empanadas certainly hit the heights, and Barb’s classic turkey meatballs are completely addicting. But it was those almond cookies that really knocked you for a loop and sent you on your way to cookie heaven!

So drift away with the music and the food. The entire Simone L. Palmer Concert Series this year was brilliantly curated by Glen Alan Bevube, from Baz N’ Dem. A big shout out to you Glen for putting together a fabulous season. 

“We all have a purpose in life, My purpose is to give enjoyment and happiness through my music,” Mr. Russell proclaimed. “Music is a fascinating and wonderful thing,”

And who would know better than Eddie Russell, a man who has made music his life.