Russell spent seven years as MD and pianist for the comedian Julian Clary a singer Barb Jungry, touring Britain and Europe, and appearing in two series of Sticky Moments (channel 4). Together with Jungr, he devised and performed in music shows such as Bare, Killing Me Softly, Songs for the Heart, Chanson: The Space in Between, Barb Bob and Brel, and the musical The Ballad of Noah’s Ark.

He composed original scores for several films including Return Trip and the Bafta-nominated The Alcohol Years (both Channel 4) and One Past Midnight.

Russell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2005 and died on 27th February 2007.