Música Obscura

Digitized Vinyl, Tapes, and CDs for Your Listening Pleasure

Russ Otis - Cool Air 45 (1976)

Tuesday, August 7, 2007 1:30:36 AM

,





Side A:

Cool Air (3:38)

Side B:

The Rearrangement (3:28)





This was Russ Otis' first 45 record. It was made in 1976 on the now defunct Cool Duck Records. Both songs are written and produced by Russ. His sound always reminded me of Emitt Rhodes. Sadly, my friend Russ passes away on July 5, 2007.

Digitized at 24 bit, 96 kHz

Encoded at 320K from original vinyl 45. Includes artwork.

Download temporarily removed at the request of Russ Otis' family[/b]

East of Eden - East of Eden (1989)Jules Shear - The Eternal Return (1985)

Comments

Unregistered user Monday, August 27, 2007 2:35:06 PM

Jamie writes: I just happened upon this site while searching for the name of my first guitar teacher. Does anyone know it this Russ Otis was from Chicago and taught guitar in Des Plaines, IL in the early 80s?

Music From Big-Dajahn Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:20:16 PM

Probably. Russ lived in Chicago, so its probably him. If you go to the following post http://my.opera.com/ajahn/blog/willow-the-white-house-sessions-1974
and click on the album cover picture. It will bring up a picture of Russ from taken in 1976. It should look close enough to how he looked in the early 80's. Russ was a keyboard player, but also played guitar. If it was him, you are lucky to have known Russ.

-aj

Unregistered user Wednesday, August 29, 2007 5:57:33 PM

Anonymous writes: aj, I feel very, very sad today. After looking at the picture I realize that this is indeed the Russ Otis that taught me how to play guitar. I took lessons from him for about two years back around 1982-1984. He was a great teacher and a great guy. I still play guitar today and I owe much of my technique to Russ and how he taught me. I wish I could have thanked him. Thanks for posting this music. I'm looking forward to listening to it when I get home tonight. - Jamie

Music From Big-Dajahn Thursday, August 30, 2007 1:32:20 AM

Jamie,

I too miss Russ. We're having a memorial in Chicago around November 10th. If you are near there, let me know and I can give you more details. All the musician friends of his are getting together to perform his songs.

Enjoy his music. He wrote sum great stuff. I will some day be releasing a lot of Russ' songs here on this blog. I am just waiting for the family to release it (make sure the copyrights are set and all) before I can put it on the blog.

-aj

Unregistered user Friday, August 31, 2007 5:42:39 PM

Anonymous writes: aj, I live in the far NW suburbs of Chicago, so yeah, I'm in the general area. Please do let me know. I wouldn't want to intrude or anything, but I'd be interested in knowing about a memorial for Russ. You can e-mail me at sarnachiaro1@yahoo.com - Jamie

Music From Big-Dajahn Friday, August 31, 2007 9:55:19 PM

I'll do that as soon as I get all the information.

-aj

Unregistered user Sunday, February 6, 2011 9:17:23 PM

Anonymous writes: I also took lessons from Russ in Highland Park, Il. Great guy and a real inspiration - he played even played my barmitvah!

Music From Big-Dajahn Friday, February 11, 2011 10:00:59 PM

We are lucky to have known Russ.

Unregistered user Wednesday, March 23, 2011 8:31:45 AM

jgs writes: Wow! I came across this online. I too took lessons from Russ in the early 80s. He truly taught me what it meant to be an artist. I wasn't much of a player and didn't really practice much. But I still found Russ most inspiring. So sad to learn of his passing and his pic on the album brought a tear to my eye. While I haven't seen Russ in 30 years, I do still think of him and his teachings.

Music From Big-Dajahn Tuesday, April 5, 2011 10:16:47 PM

Russ was a special person. Thanks for your comments.

Unregistered user Monday, July 18, 2011 3:20:57 PM

franticstudio writes: i grew up in park ridge and knew kevin Mcguckin and russ otis (i'm findng out today that they both passed away) i would give anything to hear the white house sessions. do you think russ's family would evr release that music ? thanks

Music From Big-Dajahn Tuesday, July 26, 2011 10:38:27 PM

I can send it to you if you give my your email address.

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