Ruslan, the Ukrainian born pianist and composer, has been an elemental part of touring ensembles for several musicians,
Dennis Chambers,
Marcus Miller,
Seal,
Brian McKnight, and
Stanley Clarke among them. He even contributed the track "Jerusalem" to
Clarke's
Toys of Men album. The bassist returned the favor by signing
Ruslan to his Roxboro Entertainment label, and producing his self-titled debut. He also makes an appearance on the set (as does
Chick Corea). While no one can question
Ruslan's abilities as a pianist and as an improviser, his singing (always flat) and attempts at pop songwriting are another matter entirely, resulting in a mixed effort that is big on ambition but falls short in delivery. ~ Thom Jurek