Bio | Russell Welch

Russell Welch
Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Russell Welch is a jazz guitarist who brings passion, creativity, and a touch of magic to every performance. With a reputation that stretches across continents, he’s become a key figure in New Orleans’ vibrant music scene, known for his distinctive take on both traditional jazz and the Gypsy jazz style of Django Reinhardt.

Russell’s connection to music started early. He picked up the guitar at 16, and it didn’t take long for the local critics in Jackson to start calling him a “jazz prodigy.” At 18, he became the youngest inductee into the Jackson Jazz Musicians’ Hall of Fame—a pretty big milestone for someone so young. Russell credits much of his growth to his mentor, virtuoso guitarist Barry Leach, who helped shape his unique sound.

After graduating from the Academic and Performing Arts Complex (APAC) in Jackson, Russell headed south to the University of Southern Mississippi, just outside New Orleans. There, his talents took off—he earned a B.A. in Jazz Studies and won several honors, including the “Outstanding Soloist” award at the University of North Texas Jazz Festival. That same year, he was part of the USM Jazz Sextet, which made history as the top college combo in the country.

Now based in New Orleans, Russell has become a staple of the city's jazz scene. He’s a key player in Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, a swing band that has a loyal following of dancers around the world. The band earned the Big Easy Music Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Band” in 2012, with Meschiya herself winning “Best Female Performer” three years in a row. They’ve released two albums, Lucky Devil and Fooler's Gold, both of which have been widely praised.

Russell’s roots in Gypsy jazz are a huge part of who he is as a musician. He leads The Russell Welch Hot Quartet, a group that’s become known for its high-energy performances and fresh approach to Gypsy jazz. Their album Pour Vous (2013) was lauded for its exciting take on the genre. Before this, his band Showarama Hot Trio was nominated for New Orleans’ “Best Traditional Jazz Album” award.

As a performer, Russell has taken his music across the globe. He’s played at major jazz festivals in the U.S. and Europe, including the Django a Go Go Festival and Django in June. His bands have toured over a dozen countries, bringing the sounds of New Orleans and Gypsy jazz to new audiences. Some of his standout performances include the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the French Quarter Festival.

Russell also loves teaching. He’s shared his knowledge of jazz and Gypsy guitar at workshops and festivals, including at some of North America’s most prestigious Django Reinhardt festivals, like Django a Go Go and Django in June, both in 2022.

Russell’s discography showcases his range as both a guitarist and composer. His album Acetate Sessions (2019), which used vintage recording techniques to capture a live feel, was nominated for a Big Easy Music Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Album.” Critics praised it for its unique sound and lively energy. He also released Mississippi Gypsy (2015) with The Russell Welch Hot Quartet, a collection of original compositions that earned rave reviews from Offbeat Magazine for its “masterful” musicianship.

Russell’s creative spirit goes beyond the guitar. He composed and performed the original score for Silk and Smoke, a jazz ballet performed at the 2019 International Women in Dance Leadership Conference. This collaboration with the Marigny Opera House Ballet showcased his versatility as an artist and composer.

Russell has racked up several accolades over the years. He’s been nominated for Best Traditional Jazz Artist and Best Traditional Jazz Album at the Big Easy Music Awards, and he was named Best Guitarist in New Orleans in 2016. His career kicked off with the Outstanding Soloist award at the University of North Texas Jazz Festival in 2007, and he’s continued to receive praise for his genre-defying performances.

Whether he’s leading a fiery Gypsy jazz group, playing with the vintage swing of Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, or composing original works, Russell Welch continues to be at the heart of New Orleans’ jazz scene. His ability to blend the classic with the contemporary has made him one of the most sought-after guitarists around, with a reputation that reaches far beyond New Orleans.

The Russell Welch Hot Quartet (Jazz 2010-)

Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (Jazz 2010-)

Carmela Rappazzo (Albums "Whispering" and "9")

Ronell Johnson (Album "Instant Roo")

Squirrel Nut Zippers (Featured Guitarist 2020)

The Rusty and Fanny Show (Variety 2020)

Russell's Eight Track (Indie Rock 2003-)

King James and the Special Men (2019-2020)

Showarama Hot Trio (Jazz 2012-)

The Hot Club of New Orleans (Jazz 2018-)

Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band (Jazz 2010-)

Champagniacs (Tube/Fiddle/Guitar trio 2018-)