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.


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.



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.



Midland Reporter: Ukulele Russ from Alaska set to entertain in Kalamunda

It’s quite unusual for international ukulele players to visit Perth, let alone Kalamunda, so the visit is quite unique and being looked forward to by many music fans and uke players. He [Copelin] is a great live performer, chatty, he can play at least 14 instruments and creates material on the spot.



UkeMarket: Ukulele Russ Live Performance Review

Not only is Ukulele Russ a great musician and performer, but his schtick is perfectly suited for the venue in which he performed. He engaged the audience, talked to the crowd, cracked jokes and even managed to diffuse an obnoxious drunk. He’s energetic, funny and genuinely enjoyable.



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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