The Shook/Russo Quartet's new CD So Far From Home is now available on Summit Records!

The Shook/Russo Quartet has been working together for nearly four years in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. Their focus has always been to compose and perform their own original music within the jazz idiom, honoring the masters by carrying on the tradition. The group has developed an incredible and unique sound by merging the diverse backgrounds of each of these fine musicians into one voice. The result is a whirlwind of grooves, melodies, and diverse textures that are a true delight to hear.

Collectively, the members of the Shook/Russo Quartet have performed extensively throughout the United States, as well as performed in Canada, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean and at festivals such as the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Stan Getz Jazz Festival, the East Coast Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and the Telluride Jazz Festval to name a few. A partial list of artists that they have collectively performed with includes: Lionel Hampton, Maureen McGovern, Monica Mancini, Phil Woods, Kenny Werner, Dee Daniels, Jane Jarvis, Lanny Morgan, Claudio Roditi, Al Grey, Bill Watrous, John Stowell, Steve Swallow, Charles McPhearson, "Doc" Cheatham, Rebecca Parris, Joe LaBarbera, Dianne Reeves, Marvin Hamlisch, Lou Marini, Ben Vereen, Greg Gisbert, Ingrid Jensen, Jae Sinnett, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Hal Crook, Keter Betts, Ethel Ennis, Bill McHenry, Dave Ballou, and Slide Hampton.

Amy Shook was born and raised in Idaho, and attended the University of Idaho (where she met her husband, saxophonist Pat Shook), studying at the Lionel Hampton School of Music, having earned two bachelor's degrees and a masters in music. She is now one of the most in-demand upright bassists in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area, coveted for her huge sound and driving groove. She is an incredibly versatile musician who enjoys playing jazz standards as well as new music by her local colleagues. She is an accomplished composer, and her personality truly comes through in her writing. She has received national recognition in reviews of the album "Uncertain Path" by the Rob Levit Trio, a trio she performs regularly in with drummer Frank Russo. As a result, she was featured in Bassics magazine on their CD Sampler published with the magazine.

Pat Shook, originally from Washington state, holds a bachelor's from the University of Idaho, and a master's from the University of North Texas, where he performed in the famed One O'Clock Lab Band. He is currently the lead tenor player in the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, and is admired by his colleagues and local musicians for his incredible technique, his fantastic skills in improvisation, and his composing. His compositions display his roots in tradition as well as the inspiration of today's modern masters, and are great vehicles that are showcases for each soloist.

Frank Russo, originally from the New York City area, is one of the premier drummers in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. He completed a distinguished career with the Naval Academy Band, has toured internationally, and is currently the professor of Drum Set Studies at both Towson University and Shepherd University. Because of his incredible adaptability and excellent sight-reading skills, Frank is highly in demand and is an integral part of every group he performs with. He has developed his own voice on the drums, and is sought after for the integrity he brings to the music. His previous recordings have gained national recognition in publications such as Downbeat, Jazztimes, and Modern Drummer.

Tim Young, originally from Virgina, is starting to make his mark in the jazz world. After completing his education at the University of North Texas, Tim returned to the east coast to serve as pianist with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors in Washington, D.C. Tim has held this position for the past seven years. Tim is a sought-after player because of his ability to adapt to any musical situation. His style covers just about all, and his reverence for the music is very evident in both his playing and his writing.