The hip, smoky vocals and swinging guitar of Sandi Russell combine with the rhythmic pulse of bassist Barbara Hilton, to set the stage for this upbeat jazz combo. 

A Western Massachusetts native, Sandi has performed in musical venues throughout New England. After stints with duo,  trio and jazz quartet, Russell followed her muse to Kansas City where she pursued a successful solo career. The City of Fountains had a lasting effect on Russell's musical style and became the keystone to her brand of "blusey jazz".  A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Sandi's background in music, psychology and recreation leadership serves her well as musician/entertainer. Russell calls the Northampton, Massachusetts area home. 

In 1993, Russell returned to New England and teamed with bassist, Barbara Hilton, for a jazz performance at First Night Cape Cod in Orleans, MA. Hilton's warm, deep double bass added the perfect rhythmic punch and the rich essence of ESPRESSO JAZZ began to perk.

Hilton holds a B.A. and Masters degree from the University of Massachusetts. She has an extensive background in special needs education utilizing  music therapy in her work with autistic children from urban schools in Kansas City, Denver, and Southern California. Barbara studied theatre arts at UCLA and was an active member of the clown alley, Colorado Clowns. Her comedic character "Boom Boom" is a cabaret favorite. Hilton resides in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

Russell and Hilton completed their fourth independent release from Avocet Studios in 2003. The Blues Are Brewin' is a compilation of jazz, blues, and swing standards. The songs chosen for this CD were written during the '30s & '40s. Many of the tunes were rediscovered from the archives of Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. On board for this " "Fat Tuesday" New Orleans style" recording, with Russell and Hilton are cornetist, Dave Pinardi and drummer, Richard Mayer.

 In 2001, ESPRESSO JAZZ poured out another steamy release with their third CD-  Jazz 'N' Samba .  This caffeinated mix of latin and jazz standards features Sandi Russell, Barbara Hilton, Kerry Blount, and drummer Tom Rinaldi. The addition of Rinaldi brought a new depth to the trio. Tom's swing and latin grooves propelled the combo to new heights.

ESPRESSO JAZZ 's millenium, 2000 offering entitled,  I'm Just A Lucky So & So  is a mellow blend of standards featuring Russell, Hilton, and saxophonist Kerry Blount. The soulfulness of Blount's sax and flute blend easily into the dark, rich, Espresso Jazz brew. Blount of  Berklee College of Music in mid 70's Boston, recorded with Boston band Swallow. Kerry has  recorded with Atlantic Records, Warner Brothers, and London Records.

"The participants are definitely on the same page, as they effortlessly weave their laid-back magic."  Ken Irwin WMUA's Java Jazz 

During the fall of 1999, ESPRESSO JAZZ recorded their debut album, All Of Me at Avocet Studios in Shelburne, MA. This live recording features Russell, Hilton, and the spirited clarinet of Bob Sparkman. A veteran New Yorker, Sparkman's credits include a stint at Eddie Condon's Jazz Club where he performed with Doc Cheatham, John Bunch, Billy Butterfield and a host of other legends.

  Sample the many flavors of Espresso Jazz:   Espresso Jazz Gallery