A fine guitarist who has made a stir with his Columbia records of the early to mid-'90s, Russell Malone started playing music when he was five. He was with Jimmy Smith's band for two years in the late '80s and since 1989 has often toured with Harry Connick, Jr. Malone's influences range from swing to R&B and he has an appealing bop-oriented approach that often pays tribute to earlier styles. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide