Rick Russell  (Keyboards, Harmonica, Mandolin & Vocals)

Born and raised in Western N.Y. Rick was influenced early on by Chicago blues, New Orleans funk & driving blues rock.  Gradually he began adding harmonica and guitar to his performances and in 1976 headed south.  Playing and fronting several house bands on Sanibel,  he also began recording and producing his own music.  In the mid - 80s he moved to Austin, Texas to play with Hal Ketchum of Grand Old Opry fame. While in Texas he also played with several other prominent Texas Swing and blues bands before moving back to S.W. Florida. 

His instrumental music has been used in PBS documentaries and Rick is also is an award winning artist whose work has garnered numerous awards, and is on display in galleries, museums, and private collections worldwide.  His art work and original music compositions have been profiled on PBS TV. 

While sitting in with another group on the same bill as Deb & the Dynamics, Rick first heard the band and fell head over heals for their sound. Shortly thereafter he began sitting in with the Dynamics and eventually became a permanent member.