BIOGRAPHY
About Russell
Port Talbot based Russell Lloyd, is a guitarist mainly active in the Swansea, Cardiff and South Wales areas. He has played many times at the Gower Guitar Festival, as a soloist, and as part of the Swansea Classical Guitar Circle Ensemble. He has played at the Swansea Fringe Festival, and regularly at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. He was resident guitarist at Coffee Cesso, on Swansea Marina for a few years.
He has previously collaborated with Jazz Saxophonist/vocalist Faith Pallett, Soprano Beverley Davies, and guitarist Andrew King among many others. Although classically trained from a young age, he is equally at home with a number of guitar styles. He possesses a virtuosic technique, has received master classes from the likes of internationally acclaimed concert guitarists Craig Ogden and John Mills and holds a diploma ( distinction) in classical guitar performance from the London College of Music.
In addition to being able to draw from the classical repertoire, he performs his own unique arrangements of jazz and popular songs, and improvises with a distinctly Latin flavour. He has made contributions to Swansea Classical Guitar Circle, both as a performer and arranger. He plays at many venues throughout the area (Ostreme Centre, Brangwyn Hall, Ice House, Machynis Golf Club, La Parilla, Cafe Valance, Coast, La Bodega, Noahs Yard, Whites, etc.).
He performed for the 2008 Swansea Bay Tourism Awards at the Brangwyn Hall, and also gave a recital to commemorate the reopening of Sketty Methodist Church in 2012. In 2016 he performed at the retirement celebration of politician Edwina Hart. He currently works in the guitar/bass duo R&R Acoustic, with bassist Robert Parry.
From 2011 to 2015 Russell was a member of the flamenco fusion band Somos Cales. In 2014, he was the guitarist for the Welsh Premiere of Howard Goodhall's Musical "Love Story" at Theatre Ffwrnes, Llanelli, under the musical direction of John Quirk. Also in 2014, he was contracted by Westar Music(USA) to record on an album of classical music for weddings (aimed at the wedding video market). The album also features the playing of Hannah Stone, harpist for HRH the Prince of Wales.
Russell has featured on the "Welsh Connections" programme on Oystermouth Radio, as well as programmes on Radio Tircoed, and also tv appearances on Sky Arts. He also gave two concerts and a masterclass at the 2016 "Neath's Great Guitar Gig" festival. There have been numerous appearances at various other festivals.
Russell is very much in demand, and is available to perform at weddings, social events, festivals, session work, or indeed any event felt appropriate.
In 2015 Russell became Classical/Acoustic guitar instructor at Ace Music Academy.
Russell also gives guitar tuition, from beginners to advanced
