George Russell (composer)

George Russell was an influential American jazz composer, theorist, and bandleader known for pioneering the modern jazz sound. He developed innovative musical concepts, such as the "Lydian Chromatic Concept," which redefined how jazz improvisers approach scales and harmony, influencing countless musicians. His work balances complex musical ideas with accessible performance, blending traditional jazz elements with avant-garde approaches. Russell's contributions helped shape the evolution of jazz in the mid-20th century, fostering greater understanding of musical theory and encouraging improvisation and experimentation within the genre.