Chicago based trombonist Russ Phillips went on the road with Louis Armstrong’s Allstars at the age of four, thanks to his father, trombonist Russ Phillips, Senior, joining that band. That early exposure to great music led Russ to his own busy career playing in a wide range of styles and settings, from jazz and rock to pit orchestras and classical ensembles.

Russ and I got together onstage at the Dixon Historic Theatre in Dixon, Illinois, outside of Chicago to play together and talk about his long career and many inspirations. We were joined by guitarist Andy Brown and vocalist Petra van Nuis.