Hal Russell NRG Ensemble in Pontiac

At the height of the MTV-inspired music video craze of the 1980s, the Chicago-based Hal Russell NRG Ensemble, an avante-garde jazz band with a cult following, mocked the genre with this portrayal of the band making itself most unwelcome at a private cocktail party. The band that was often criticized as producing music akin to noise decided to embrace the characterization and take it one humorous step farther. The Hal Russell NRG Ensemble at that time consisted of its namesake, sax legend Hal Russell, as well as longtime Chicago musicians Steve Hunt, Brian Sandstrom, Curt Bley and Chuck Burdelik. The song "Pontiac" was by Brian Sandstrom. Produced by Mark Voigtmann. Photographed by Ron Prickel. Choreography by Ed Schwab. Concerned Man played by Ted Harling. Last Survivor played by Anne Voigtmann Hunt.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• free jazz
• avante-garde
• jazz
• parody
• Hal Russell
• Chicago
• Hunt
• Bley
• Burdelik
• cocktail party from hell
• Sandstrom
• noise as music
• brainwashing
• music

[thudmother]

awesome!!

[bsb437]

I remember Hal , he was a let loose type of performer. I studied with him at Columbia College , in his percussion ensemble. We got along so well he allowed me to bring some of my compositions to class for the other musicians to play. Of course , Hal had the lead lines and it was one of the very few times having my music performed that I had a Mentor that actually took a real intrest in my art. I remember Hal asking me if I would like to join the N.R.G. , unfortunately I didn't except . R.I.P. HR

[TimeWaveHero]

Yes. Glad to see this here! Thanks!!!

[nik799news]

In what group (s) did Hal do before NRGE? Where did he play, and with whom?

[zenpainter09]

Hey, people... I loved Hal!  played with him, recorded some, gave him art, adored his own, and was an avid follower in the '80's.... really miss Hal not on Earth...

[svonco]

great video!

this seems to be the only hal russell/nrg ensemble on youtube though? that's a shame.

[bobbyt65]

Love the song,great band! Did Chuck {Chuckles} Burdelik ever come out of the closet?More NRG Please!

[tonyfreejazz20]

Hey thanks for posting this clip. Have you got any concert clips of this band with ken Vandermark, Mats Gustafsson and Mars Williams? Im a big fan...and of Hal Russell as well. Love to see them if there are any out there.