Biography
Russell Gunn is an acclaimed American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, born in Chicago in 1971 and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. Gunn's early musical interests were rooted in hip-hop, inspired by artists like LL Cool J and Rakim, but he began playing trumpet at age 10, influenced by his cousin and school band director. He attended Jackson State University on a full music scholarship, where he further developed his craft before moving to St. Louis and later New York City, where his career accelerated after being discovered by saxophonist Oliver Lake.
Gunn quickly became known for his dynamic style, blending hard bop jazz with elements of hip-hop, funk, neo-soul, and blues. His groundbreaking 'Ethnomusicology' series, particularly Volumes 1 and 2, melded hip-hop rhythms and jazz improvisation, earning Grammy nominations and establishing him as a leading innovator in contemporary jazz. Gunn has led numerous ensembles, most notably the Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra, and has performed with influential artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, and D’Angelo. His work is characterized by a commitment to authenticity and a refusal to separate his influences from his creative output.
Throughout his career, Gunn has released over 20 albums as a leader and contributed as a sideman to many others. He is recognized for his impact on the next generation of jazz musicians, both through his recordings and his mentorship. Now based in Atlanta, Gunn continues to push boundaries with ambitious projects, including large-scale commissions and collaborations with artists across genres, solidifying his legacy as a bridge between jazz tradition and modern black musical forms.
Fun Facts
- Gunn originally wanted to play saxophone, but chose trumpet because his best friend wanted to play it too.
- He is a self-taught arranger and composer, learning big band writing through trial and error rather than formal training.
- Gunn's dreadlocks and hip-hop style drew criticism from the jazz mainstream early in his career, but he persisted in blending genres.
- He has performed on cruise ships and at iconic New York jazz clubs like Birdland, Sweet Basil, and the Jazz Standard.
Associated Acts
- The Soultronics - trumpet
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ron Carter (band director) - High school band director at Lincoln High School, East St. Louis; provided foundational musical instruction and encouragement. (School band performances) [1980s]
- LL Cool J - Primary early musical idol and inspiration from hip-hop; influenced Gunn's approach to rhythm and energy. (Inspired Gunn's stylistic fusion in Ethnomusicology series) [1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Oliver Lake - Discovered Gunn in St. Louis and invited him to perform in New York, catalyzing his professional career. (Brooklyn Museum performance) [1993]
- Wynton Marsalis - Recruited Gunn for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra; Gunn featured on Marsalis' 'Blood On The Fields'. (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, 'Blood On The Fields') [1990s]
- Branford Marsalis - Featured trumpeter in Buckshot LeFonque, Marsalis' genre-blending band. (Buckshot LeFonque band) [1990s]
- Dionne Farris - Collaborated on Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra album, integrating neo-soul vocals into big band jazz. (Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra 'Get It How You Live') [2010s]
- Marcus Miller - Toured as a sideman with the renowned bassist. (Tour performances) [2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary Jazz Musicians (unnamed) - Gunn's Ethnomusicology series and genre-blending approach have inspired a new generation of jazz artists to incorporate hip-hop and modern black music forms. (Ethnomusicology Vol 1 & 2, Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra) [2000s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clementine Sun | 2012-02-24 | Album |
| Love Stories | 2008-09-12 | Album |
| Ethnomusicology, Vol. 2 | 2001-09-25 | Album |
| Russell Gunn Plays Miles | 2007-07-20 | Album |
| Ethnomusicology, Vol. 3 | 2003-05-20 | Album |
| Ethnomusicology | 1999-02-12 | Album |
| Young Gunn Plus | 1998-07-14 | Album |
| Origin Story (Live at the Velvet Note) | 2024-09-06 | Album |
| Bionic: Krunk Jazz | 2006-10-16 | Album |
| Mood Swings | 2003-07-11 | Album |
| Soul Searching | 2025-06-12 | Album |
| Kind Of New 2: Blue Is Paris | 2017-05-12 | Album |
| Kind Of New 2: Blue Is Paris | 2017-05-12 | Album |
| The Sirius Mystery | 2016-08-05 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I'm in Love with a Stripper (Love Stories)
- February Wind
- It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Go-Go Swing) (Ethnomusicology, Vol. 2)
- Caravan (Ethnomusicology, Vol. 2)
- East St. Louis (Ethnomusicology, Vol. 3)
- Epistrophy (Ethnomusicology, Vol. 2)
- You Don't Know What Love Is (Young Gunn Plus)
- Variations (On a Conspiracy Theory) (Ethnomusicology, Vol. 3)
- Sybil's Blues (Ethnomusicology)
- On Green Dolphin Street (The Head Shakers)
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Russell Gunn has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 17:44 | NEW NEW BLUESfrom PLAYS MILES | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | 08:51 | Folkzfrom Ethnomusicology | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 16:41 | Caravanfrom Ethnomusicology Vol 2 | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 01:32 | Bitch, You Don't Love Mefrom Love Stories | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |