Biography
Critically acclaimed, award winning guitarist, singer and songwriter, Woody Russell, has released a body of recorded work that spans from the folk-rock infused songwriter fare of his first album, …as simple as that (1996), to his IMA nomination (Album Of The Year) for Salt (2005), to the critically praised blues and soul release, Up Against It (2010). Last year he released his digital only “living album project”, Big Sky (2012); an ever expanding compilation of instrumentals focused on his jazz and film music recordings. Russell’s brand new release, Delicious Days (Sept. 2013) features 11 new songs infused with sophisticated arrangements and harmony more closely associated with jazz. The Austin, Texas based Russell has always been a genre-blurring artist and Delicious Days is no exception. A defined trajectory toward pop is the prevailing tone on this album; perhaps more so than on any of his other releases. But again, he seamlessly integrates jazz, rock and soul in to the mix. The end result is a lush, complex recording – a pop album with a jazz heart - created by a master craftsman and his superb band. Yet, it’s an album which, amid the musical intricacies, is brimming with very accessible songs.
“This is the most ambitious recording project I’ve ever done”, says Woody, “in terms of the scope of the band, the production and the compositions themselves. Add to that the Kickstarter campaign and it was a very labor intensive project up front. Touring and performing these songs live,” he continues, “is the reward for working so hard throughout the recording process.”
Woody tours Texas frequently, as well as, to select North American dates. He's shared billing with artists ranging from Elvis Costello and Richard Thompson to Jimmy Vaughan and Tommy Castro at theaters, nightclubs and major festivals, including the prestigious Newport Folk Festival. Critically praised as an “exemplary” guitarist, an “exceptional singer” and songwriter of the highest caliber - a "total artist package", Woody delivers seasoned performances with over twenty-five years as a professional musician to his credit. Respected music industry veteran and President of BE Music and Entertainment, Michael Blanton, calls him "one of the best kept secrets in the world of live performance today." Blues Revue offers that, as a guitarist, Russell possesses the “fearlessness of Jeff Beck”.
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