NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/
Way Out West Records) - Rising Oklahoma star, country-rock singer/songwriter, Shawna Russell, is poised for the March 4 national release of her debut CD, Goddess, on
Way Out West Records.
Goddess was recorded in Oklahoma City and produced by Tim Russell (Shawna's uncle) and Ted Curtis at Upstairs Productions Studio, and includes some of the top music industry professionals in the business. Upon first hearing Russell's voice, world-famous musicians journeyed to Oklahoma to record with her, including Russ Kunkel, who has drummed for Carly Simon and James Taylor, and David Santos, bassist for Elton John, Billy Joel and John Fogerty. They were joined by vocal engineer, Julian King, who has made a name working with country superstars, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Toby Keith. The album was mixed by Nathaniel Kunkel, whose recent clients include Diana Ross and The Police.
Russell, a resident of Okemah , Oklahoma , has spent a great deal of her young life preparing for this moment. And while her youthful good looks belie her experience, she is a veteran who has paid some serious dues. She first began singing professionally with her father, Keith, in his band, when she was 12. By her late teens, she was fronting the band. During her professional career, Russell has toured across much of the U.S., performing 2-6 nights a week, up to 5 sets a night, at many of the top live music clubs on the circuit, including The Grizzly Rose, in Denver, Billy Bob's, in Ft. Worth, and the Wildhorse Saloon, in Nashville, among countless others. Russell has spent the last three years on the road touring with fellow Oklahoman, Ty England (of Garth Brook's fame), before going solo again. Early buzz from music industry insiders predict that Goddess will finally give Russell her long-awaited break.
Russell co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on Goddess. 'Most of the songs were written with my dad, Keith, and my uncle Tim,' she states. 'It was the most amazing thing – we would get together with just some rough ideas, and several hours later, we would have these killer tunes. We joked that we were 'channeling' Woody Guthrie! (Also an Okemah native).
Retro and rockin' – Country and contemplative, Goddess is a sonic delight. From the opening track, 'Back On My Feet,' Russell stakes her claim with a vocal intensity that will not be denied – it is clear that she means business. 'Cemetery Hill', is set against a bed of jangly guitars and B-3 organ, and juxtaposes the small town burial ground as both a late night spot for lovers and partyers, and a place of beauty and reverence - where 'we'll all come together' someday. The dreamy Fleetwood Mac-infused title track brings Russell's full emotional range and feminine charms to bear, as she promises her suitor, 'I can be the goddess that you dream of. Let this goddess care for you.' 'The Only One' features soaring guitars and powerful vocals/harmonies, and holds the promise of new love to one who has been rejected. With seething vocals and a scorching electric guitar solo by Jon Conley (Wynnona), ' Strange Way ,' the set's only cover, breathes new fire and intensity into the Rick Roberts composition first made popular by Firefall. 'Don't Put Yourself Out' swaggers and rocks with a 'couldn't-care-less' attitude and a punchy horn section led by OKC veteran Chris Hicks. 'Fire in the Desert' is a full-on West coast country-rocker, with harmony guitars flying over Russell's lyrics of aching desire to keep an old love from burning out.
Russell pays homage to women who serve in the military with her song, 'Shed A Tear,' which she co-wrote with Tim Russell and former Little Texas lead singer, Tim Rushlow. With the help of a video on YouTube, 'Shed A Tear' has struck a chord with members of the military and their families, and tells the poignant story of a female National Guard soldier who goes off to war. Russell has recently been performing this song and the National Anthem for military events around the region.
Other standout tracks include 'Everybody's Got A Story,' a self-empowering song that encourages the listener to take control of their life story. 'Get Out Of My Way,' tells of a fed-up woman standing her ground against a weak man. 'Little Dixie ' closes the CD in Little Feat inspired, true Southern-fried boogie woogie fashion.
Shawna Russell Goddess is available from www.shawnarussell.com, www.cdbaby.com and other national outlets. Downloads are available from iTunes, Rhapsody, DigStation, and other digital download sites.
