RNZ: One-man Alaskan band
Colin Peacock interviews a survivalist and ukulele virtuoso from Fairbanks, Alaska, who makes his second visit here for masterclasses, workshops and concerts in Auckland, and plays two songs live on his ukulele, U-bass, loopers, and harmonica.
KUAC: Ukulele Russ and the Fairbanks All Stars
Funky and fun, Ukulele Russ and the Fairbanks All Stars entertain and lay down some serious grooves. The first half of the set list was dominated by animal-themed originals, including a useful song to know when out in the wilds of Alaska "Bear Safety".
KAMUKE: Talk Story Ukulele Russ
When you think of the ukulele, you immediately think of... Alaska? Hailing from The Last Frontier, one-man band Ukulele Russ plays everything from rock'n'roll to funk, bluegrass and hip-hop. We caught up with the Wild Man Of Uke between moose hunts (no, really).
Daily News-Minder, Fairbanks: Alaska musician takes the ukulele to entertaining heights
With a stage name like Ukulele Russ, one might imagine Hawaiian shirts and inoffensive luau music or maybe a bunch of kid-friendly songs espousing the benefits of making friends and learning to tie shoes. But that’s about as far away from reality as possible.
Uke Planet: Ukulele Russ – Laundry
I find a lot of loop pedal users spend far too long laying down layer after layer of sound, eight bars of picking, overlaid by 8 bars of percussive taps, overlaid by… But not so here folks! In addition to Ukulele Russ’ clear talent as a performer and singer, what struck me instantly was the quick jumps from loop to loop. A real foot tapper of a backing riff, terrific rhythmic vocals a middle section showcasing Russ’ talent on the harmonica (which is sensational) and some imaginative and exciting blues ukulele riffs.