a musical mentor
Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:49 pm
a musical mentor – George Russell
by Ben Schwendener
I worked musically with George Russell for over 25 years in many capacities, but mainly in the teaching and editing of his landmark theory, the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization. After his retirement in 2003, I have continued to teach his courses on the ‘Concept’ at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston (as well as privately and elsewhere). The Concept is central to my teaching philosophy and music in the open-ended freedom and intuitive exploration it encourages.
I was introduced to George Russell and his music in the late 70’s through my friend Gregg Ramsey (an exceptional guitarist and composer), who turned me on to my first Russell album – “Ezztheticâ€
by Ben Schwendener
I worked musically with George Russell for over 25 years in many capacities, but mainly in the teaching and editing of his landmark theory, the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization. After his retirement in 2003, I have continued to teach his courses on the ‘Concept’ at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston (as well as privately and elsewhere). The Concept is central to my teaching philosophy and music in the open-ended freedom and intuitive exploration it encourages.
I was introduced to George Russell and his music in the late 70’s through my friend Gregg Ramsey (an exceptional guitarist and composer), who turned me on to my first Russell album – “Ezztheticâ€