Russ created his one man frontier band, which he dubs, the only full sized sounding band in Alaska that will fit inside a single engine plane. He plays 14 instruments, including harmonica, piano, bass and guitar, and busts out as many different instruments as he can travel with during shows.


Central Maine: Maine native returns to uke it up.

Everybody has this preconceived notion that I’m going to be singing songs about beaches and rainbows and playing all happy songs. That’s really what people think about when they think ukulele — ‘Aww, it’s that cute little guitar from Hawaii.' Instead, he brings rock, blues, tongue-in-cheek and a catalog as varied as “You’re the One,” a sweet song to his wife, Dixmont native Lindsey, to “Two Ply,” a Stevie Wonder-ish ode to toilet paper.



Uke Planet: Ukulele Russ – Laundry

I find a lot of loop pedal users spend far too long laying down layer after layer of sound, eight bars of picking, overlaid by 8 bars of percussive taps, overlaid by… But not so here folks! In addition to Ukulele Russ’ clear talent as a performer and singer, what struck me instantly was the quick jumps from loop to loop. A real foot tapper of a backing riff, terrific rhythmic vocals a middle section showcasing Russ’ talent on the harmonica (which is sensational) and some imaginative and exciting blues ukulele riffs.



Got A Ukulele: The Ukulele Russ Interview

Is 'the wild man of ukulele' that his nickname? I have no idea - but I just called him that. We talk regularly online but only recently have schedules collided to enable us to talk in more detail about his stuff.



RNZ: One-man Alaskan band

Colin Peacock interviews a survivalist and ukulele virtuoso from Fairbanks, Alaska, who makes his second visit here for masterclasses, workshops and concerts in Auckland, and plays two songs live on his ukulele, U-bass, loopers, and harmonica.



KUAC: Ukulele Russ and the Fairbanks All Stars

Funky and fun, Ukulele Russ and the Fairbanks All Stars entertain and lay down some serious grooves. The first half of the set list was dominated by animal-themed originals, including a useful song to know when out in the wilds of Alaska "Bear Safety".





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