Altoist
Marc Russo was a key member of
the Yellowjackets during 1982-1990. Although an R&B-oriented player,
Russo's solos pushed the popular group in a stronger jazz direction than it had been earlier with guitarist
Robben Ford. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area,
Russo worked locally in clubs and as a studio musician, showing impressive control of his horn. He was with
Tower of Power during most of 1981-1085 (overlapping with his
Yellowjackets years). After leaving
the Jackets,
Russo led a set for JVC. ~ Scott Yanow