Russ Phillips' life as a jazz musician started as a toddler in late 1951 when his father, Russ Sr., joined Louis Armstrong's All Stars to replace Jack Teagarden. After this engagement, his family settled in the Chicago area. Russ' education on the trombone started with his father, but continued through grammar school, high school and on to college. He studied with teachers Bob Lambert and Frank Crisafolli from the Chicago Symphony and briefly William Bell and Louis Van Haney at Indiana University. Russ counts among his trombone heroes: his father Russ Phillips Sr., Jack Teagarden, Abe Lincoln, Cutty Cutshall, J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, Carl Fontana and other great players.
Russ has performed in many different musical settings, from classical ensembles and pit orchestras to big bands, small swing and classic jazz units and rock 'n roll horn sections. He has performed at concerts and festivals with Howard Alden, Doc Cheatham, Kenny Davern, the Four Freshmen, Bob Haggart, Lionel Hampton, Dick Hyman, Don Goldie, Bobby Lewis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Tom Saunders, Doc Severinsen, John Sheridan and many others. Russ recently received a 2004 Honoree Award from the Del Segno Musicians Association of Chicago, in appreciation of his contribution to the Chicago music scene, especially as the .keeper of the flame. in traditional jazz.
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