In the fall of 2018, RMI Recording Artist Russ Miller had an idea for a project that was a monumental undertaking from the start. A Global Pandemic, three different moves (business and personal) and the formation of three new companies would prove very taxing and stretch the production time to almost 7 Years! Russ Comments, “The original Arrival record was the largest undertaking to date (released in 2007), this one dwarfed it. Especially with the “start to finish” span of work. “SMB” has taken almost 7 years to the day, to finish. With 18 new studio recordings and a 91-minute live in concert film, It required so many people, exercising so many disciplines to complete”.
The concept: Choose a series of songs that were influential to the musician’s development. Then, use the skills and approaches gathered from these pieces over the years, to re-imagine them with our current capabilities. “Revisit those great songs that showed us the path…and ask yourself, what would we play for them now, using their gained influences?” adds Russ.
“Soul, Mind and Body” lets us journey through these great pieces of music together with the artists. Comprised of three “EP’s” and a full-length concert film, this incredible series of products demonstrates the prowess of these masters of music, at their best. Three different trios are the foundations of the EP’s. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Kirk Covington, Soul and R&B bassist Robert “Pee Wee” Hill and Russ on drums make up the “Soul” trio. Legendary saxophonist Ernie Watts, the amazing B3 organ Maestro, Tony Monaco and Russ are the “Mind” EP trio. Finally, the “Arrival” trio performs the “Body” EP, which includes long-time member Rick Krive on Keys and vocals, bassist Jerry Watts Jr. and Russ on drums and programming. Some incredible special guests collaborate with each trio including legendary vocalists Stephanie Spurill and Ellis Hall, contemporary saxophonist George Shelby and an incredible duet with Christine Miller and Casey May on vocals.




















































