Russell Bartolotta started writing songs in 1967 as a student at James O. Harper School in Fountain Valley, California. Within two years, he was honing his skills as a member of "Wildwood Blues" (pictured right) which played all around the Orange County area. Left to right: Lloyd West (Bass), Tom Carey (Drums), Mike Sinclair (Vocals) and Russ on Guitar.

From 1967 until 1980 Russ played with rock bands in the Orange County and Los Angeles areas. After graduating from Fountain Valley High School, he studied Music Theory at Orange Coast College. He continued his musical career throughout the seventies, culminating in studying guitar under Howard Robert's protégé, Howard Brown and completing the Buddy Kay songwriting course in 1981.

Russ left his musical roots "on hold" for nearly twenty years as he raised a family, yet he never stopped playing the guitar. In 1998, Russ once again picked up his songwriting career and started work building his own project studio, "Rock and Soul Foundation Studios" in Lake Forest, CA. By 2001, he had enough songs "in the can" to release his debut CD, Ride This Train, which he wrote, produced, and recorded himself.

More recently, Russ has maintained his commitment to songwriting by joining the Taxi A&R group in Calabasas, CA and www.broadjam.com, an International musician's website, as well as studying vocals in "The Natural Voice" style with recording artist Jannel Rap.

Russ is currently forming a band to help showcase his latest materials around the Southern California area. He recently completed his second CD, "Point of View."

Russell's goal is to have his songs recorded and performed by top industry artists and to someday win a Grammy for "Song of the Year."

Reviews:

Jon Walmsley Producer / Songwriter who has worked with The Doobie Bros, Greg Allman, Sony, Warner Bros, and many more said at the 2002 Taxi Road Rally that "Russ B has a very authentic voice"

Jannel Rap a Warner Bros recording artist said that "Russ B has a good musical and songwriting sense"

William Steiskal of William Steiskal Media in Aliso Viejo said The Song "Ride This Train" by Russ B should be the song that sends our American Troops into battle and should play at our National Sporting Events to inspire our fans and Athletic Heros! What a great hook"!