Russ Green - Stone Cold

By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © May 2026

Should anyone have not read it, this is one of those rare occasions where I'm going to repeat part of an earlier review of mine. Back in 2018, this is how I opened my review of City Soul, Russ Green's debut release.....

Having made his mark as an Assistant Director in TV and Film, with such credits as: ER; Prison Break; Hard Ball; The Break Up; and many more, Russ Green is now hoping to make a similar mark in the recording industry and thankfully, he has chosen our genre - the blues!
Where he used to hang out with people like: Paul Newman; Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig, Vanessa Williams; Bruce Willis; and dozens more, he's now hanging out with the likes of: Sugar Blue; Billy Branch; John Primer; Laurie Bell; and Big Llou Johnson - just to name a few.....

On his newest releases titled Stone Cold, Russ Green - on harmonica and vocals - is joined by returning bandmates Giles Corey and Vince Agwada on guitar; and Joe Munroe on keys; with newest members Vic Jackson on bass; and Felix "D-Kat" Pollard on drums. All ten of the disc's tracks are originals of Russ' which he says, "Relate to the trials and tribulations of everyday life".

Unlike some who were born with a silver spoon, "Lint Redux" finds Russ soulfully lamenting over the one that brought him into the world being "plastic, dirty, old and the damn thing was already broke". I guess you could say he started paying his dues right out of the gate; and while currently having "Nothing but lint in my pocket", he still is. Musically, it's a rhythm forward smoker with constant torrid harp leads.

On the title track, "Stone Cold", Russ hasn't yet had a chance to shake that hard-luck of his. As he tells it, "I heard my baby tell the preacher man that she loves everybody but me".....all while he was standing just a few feet away. Not being exactly sure of her intentions, Russ' paranoia now has him sleeping with his eyes open. This smoker features killer guitar runs from Giles; heated organ leads by Joe; roaring rhythm from Vic on bass and Felix on drums: and Russ just absolutely killing it with his compelling harmonica runs.

In the style of Luther Vandross, Barry White, et al, Russ' soulful vocals are as smooth as silk on a track titled "Waiting On You". He's even taken his usually cutting-edge harp blowin' down several notches, which along with the laid-back rhythm vibe, will surely make this a favorite of the slow dancers.

Keeping things laid-back and bluesy, "Nobody Knows" features a relaxed rhythm, soft acoustic guitar strummin', melodious harp blowin', and eloquent vocals.

With pleas like "If you call in the middle of the night, I'll be right there 'cause I need you baby", "Need You So Bad" is a song that finds Russ walking the fine line between optimism and denial. She's either going to come back to him or he just flat out needs to get over her. Musically - with a blend of some rock, blues, funk, jazz and soul, that's highlighted by intense guitar leads by Vince; profound rhythm and percussion from Vic and Felix; keen keyboard work by Joe; and vehement vocals and harp work from the boss; this is hands down the best track on the disc.

On a soulful ballad titled "I Believe", Russ is once again waiting for a lost love to return. Hearing the pain in his voice as he sincerely and emotionally sings "I gotta believe that I will see you again; I gotta believe that I will love you once more." will actually have you hoping he is right. With the band in a finessed groove behind him, Russ - with his heartfelt vocals and slow and bluesy harp leads absolutely shines on this one. Regular readers of mine know that when a song moves me like this one, I like to say that 'I believe' it has all the credentials for a song of the year nomination.

Simply said, I'm going to let the title of the disc's closing track tell you what it's all about - it's called "Boogie Joint". Amen!

Other tracks on another great release from Russ Green include: "12 Feet Of Water" "Hey Man"; and "Troubled World".

Find out more about Russ Green, just go to - www.russgreenmusic.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.