Russ Kleiner - Drums
As a performer, I’m fortunate to play drums for legendary blues/soul man Curtis Salgado. I’ve toured nationally and internationally with Curtis, headlining major festivals as well as opening for the Robert Cray Band, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Johnny Lang, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Cotton and more. Recently, the Curtis Salgado band had the great honor of playing with B.B King at the W.C. Handy Awards in Memphis! Other artists I’ve performed, toured and/or recorded with include critically acclaimed NYC funksters ULU, Randy Porter, Dan Balmer, Jujuba, Pepe and the Bottle Blondes, Devin Phillips, Shelly Rudolph, Ramsey Embick, Louis Pain, singer/songwriter Stew, Nathaniel Talbot, Greg Gisbert, and Kevin Mahogany. Venues I've appeared at include Iridium Jazz Club, Blue Note NYC, Birdland, BB King’s, Langerado Music Fest, Jimmy Mak’s, Jazz Alley, Cuthbert Amphitheatre, San Francisco Blues Festival, Legendary Blues Cruise, Britt Pavilion, PDX Waterfront Festival, Pittsburgh Blues Festival, Buddy Guy’s, Beale Street Music Festival, Antone’s, Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Lucerne Blues Festival, Blues Alive Festival in Czech Republic and Poland. I'm very excited to join the Sound Roots family, and psyched to meet YOU! Let's rock! |
Hello! My name is Russ Kleiner. I am an extremely dedicated, experienced and passionate music educator and working professional. I hold a degree in Studio Music and Jazz Performance from the University of Miami (2003). I have been teaching and performing the drums professionally for twelve years and it brings me great joy to do so! A great teacher can inspire a lifelong LOVE OF MUSIC- this is what I strive to do with each student. A strong work ethic from students is an important means of progressing as a musician. This ethic, I believe, is built upon a foundation of encouragement and inspiration, of creativity and wonder. In lessons, I stress the fundamentals of time and technique coupled with broader topics like improvisation, teamwork, and the use of big wide open listening ears! If there is a style or song you'd like to learn, I'd love to help you do so! I love to play and teach ALL styles of music- rock, jazz, blues, afro- cuban, funk, classical and beyond!
