Michael Russell Trio

As a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Northern California; Michael Russell is a performing and recording artist showcasing original blues, roots rock'n'roll, and hints of Americana. 

Michael Russell Trio is comprised of Michael Russell as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and songwriter for the group while featuring Ben Colbeck on Bass Guitar and Garrett Smart on drums and harmony vocals.

Michael Russell's stone cold blues guitar licks, old school rock 'n' roll energy, and timeless songwriting style make him and the Michael Russell Trio a refreshing addition to the West Coast blues and roots rock scene.

Since Russell's debut album, 'Six Strings Away', was released in Oct. 2017, Michael Russell Trio has been covering a lot of ground; performing from Lake Tahoe to San Luis Obispo and everywhere in between. The Trio has had the pleasure of being a support act for The Stone Foxes on their 2017 Gigantour and for Ripe and The Dip on their Joy in the Wild Unknown tour in 2018.

Behind The Scenes

In addition to co-producing and co-engineering his most recent album'Six Strings Away' with engineer/producer Ian Parent, Mr. Russell has also produced many other works and has played extensively as a touring/concert lead guitarist for hire. 

Michael Russell has performed as a guitarist for many Northern California based acts including Chad Bushnell, The Lolos (Bass Guitar), Erin Haley and Firefly, and many more. 

As a guitarist for hire, Michael Russell has opened for many acts including Merle Haggard's sons (Ben and Noel Haggard), Jack Ingram, Collin Raye, Mark Chestnut, Pam Tillis, Aaron Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Casey Donahue Band, Parmalee and many more.

Michael Russell co-wrote and produced Dakota Cree's self titled EP in 2015; as well as having arranged and produced the Erin Haley and Firefly self titled EP in 2016. 

The Russell Turner Ward and Big Chico Creek were also groups founded by Michael Russell as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. In 2016, Michael Russell co-wrote and produced a full length album, 'R.T.W.', by The Russell Turner Ward. Previous band-mates Seamus Turner and Nate Ward currently perform with the So-Cal psych/surf rock group, Pacific Range; and previous band mate of Dakota Cree, Clay Finch, is currently touring with the So-Cal duo Mapache.