Woody Russell
Salt
© 2005 Woody Russell (783707171906)
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A bold new recording of richly penned songs that merge Woody Russell's distinctly soulful Americana with his deep respect for jazz and roots music.
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*****NOMINATED FOR "ALBUM OF THE YEAR" - 2006 Independent Music Awards*****
"In Russell you'll find a rare musician with the versatility to wail in a true falsetto and then burst forth with a resonating purr that makes you want to hang your head and shuffle your feet in the dust as you walk alone down a long, gritty dirt road to nowhere. Russell writes his own songs, sings, plays the guitar among other instruments and even produces; the sound you hear is pure Woody, and that's a really good thing." - Lisa Utman Randall, Mercury
Salt, Woody Russell's long awaited new album is a reinvention of sorts for the Austin, Texas based singer-songwriter and guitarist. Again, a self-produced effort, but this one shines clearly as an intended departure from his previous releases. Why? Well, people change. Lives and surrounding circumstances change. Russell has been focusing on ideas, sounds and varied styles which he says has been with him forever but has sometimes been difficult to address as a songwriter.
"These songs needed to surface. I'd been experimenting with so many things as a songwriter and a guitarist that eventually the variations all began to fit in place where maybe they hadn't before. My world has changed, expanded, and I'm on the road living with these tunes quite a lot. It's all about the soul of it, anyway. If you're heart's in it, it'll work most of the time. And I know when a song works for me; I can't fool myself for very long. I know when I'm delivering the real deal. I can feel it and as a result, the audience gets it, too. People approach me about the songs after shows, so I'm honored to give them something that they can take home with them. The bottom line is that it's long overdue for me artistically and personally."
On this new recording, Russell's heart and soul pour from every track like a thunderhead breaking open on a hot August afternoon in central Texas. The sound of the album as a whole stomps, weeps, waltzes and swings with his distinct approach to the roots of country, jazz, blues and soul. The horns, gospel tinged vocals, ambient textures, drum loops, percussion and, oh yeah, the new band, make for a lush setting for Woody's "Thinking man's Americana." Most importantly however is the intelligent, crisp songwriting which shines through even the most embellished tracks on Salt. Never an easy achievement, but Woody gets the job done.
"Some say that self-producing can be dangerous. But if you really want to learn and address certain angles in your work, you've got to step up to the plate," suggests Woody. "I have worked with producers in the past, but never felt compelled to commit to the idea that it's necessary for getting the best results. But, it is a lot to handle and to stay honestly focused on," he adds. "I did have some gigs in between that took me out of the studio for days at a time; forcing a much needed break, I'm sure."
In true Woody Russell fashion, the ever bittersweet songs on Salt move from the mid-tempo opener, Count On Me - with it's subtly funky groove and excellent acoustic guitar riffs - to the jumping, Parts and Labor; the latter finding a humorous connection between one's spiritual well-being as it relates to auto maintenance.
"I always suggest that we're moving into the gospel material at that point in the show," says Russell of performing Parts and Labor.
"The title track really is the centerpiece, the nucleus," explains Woody. "It's a simple tune at its core and the production flourishes really anchor the sound of the album as a whole." He continues, "I think that if you hear this song by itself you can get a sense of what the record sounds like front to back. Salt is at the heart of the whole thing and I never thought of calling the project anything else. It's probably the most personal song of the bunch but that's most likely why people are drawn to it."
The CD explores a song cycle that addresses all matters of love and loss. We May Never Know digs up philosophical questions that never get answered. In the Middle Of the Fringe journeys alongside a dreamer who sets out to find his soul-mate and the "big time," in a carnival sideshow life where he suggests the "work is much more fun." Additionally, the album offers up three brief instrumental interludes; each perfectly positioned to compliment the following track. The first is a Frisell-styled guitar bit and the second meanders through a scratchy "Island flavored doo-wop". A 30 second, vintage sounding, country blues sets up the CD's closer. Each of these short musical moments makes for a subtle, but welcome break in the program.
The press continues to find reason to praise him for his voice; one that comes from somewhere deep and soulful which few of his contemporaries can match. Russell possesses a voice that reaches seemingly limitless textures and moods. You simply want to hear him sing his songs... and that he does. Throughout Salt, he even manages the gospel backing vocals in a fashion that conjures up The Blind Boys of Alabama or even "doo-wop" styles from a bygone era. Additionally, he is joined by Megan Melara for some exquisitely beautiful harmonies. She breaks free on occasion to bring a stirring counterpoint to Woody's already memorable melodies.
Working as a new trio this time around, lends a completely new voice to the sonic palette of Salt. His "Resolectric" is Russell's signature and primary guitar voice, but he also delivers some meaty acoustic playing as evidenced in the opening track. He continually weaves through the album with injections of his spot-on Tele picking, as well.
But as a producer, Woody Russell chooses to feature lap steel guitarist, Danny Bennett, in ambient moods that are highlighted throughout the 14 tracks. Bennett steps up and solos with graceful steel playing the likes of say, David Lindley when he worked with Jackson Browne. Danny adds haunting additions to the mix and the mood in songs like Envy, Salt, We May Never Know and In The Middle of the Fringe. He then turns it on with some fine Dobro playing, trading solos with Woody in Short Trip. Gritty electric lap steel picking jacks up the mix in the Cash influenced closer, Get On With It.
From top to bottom, upright bassist Tom Benton brings jazz and soul to the belly of all the songs on Salt. Benton's influence on the album creates seamless timing and melodic shifts. His playing helps move listeners easily from the blue-jazz angle ever present in Russell's style to the country vibes of certain songs as if just taking an easy stroll. Again, in the producer's chair, Russell sought to highlight the strengths of the musicians. He encourages them to infuse their own interpretations of his songs deep into the heart of the sound. Benton delivers a gem of a solo in Leaving, respectful of the seemingly fragile nature of the song. He is an ever present voice that never fails to make the right statement at the right time throughout the album.
From beginning to end, Salt is a bold new recording of richly penned songs that merge Russell's distinctly soulful Americana with his deep respect for jazz and roots music. It clearly moves him toward recognition as one of only a handful of top-shelf tunesmiths whose work is undisputable for the "one-of-a-kind" magic that it is.
reviews
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Nothing Short of Fabulous
author: Sarah WilliamsWoody Russell has got to be one of the best performers in the music industry today. I can't figure out why he's not on every radio station in the country!! His style is hard to describe. It's not rock or blues or folk or jazz, it's more like all 4 rolled into one. IT'S JUST GREAT!! I was lucky enough to catch his show in Austin recently and can't get enough. I've bought all three of his CD's and can't recommend them enough.
CD player won't move past "Salt"...
author: Steve LathamMy wife thinks Woody is a cross between Billy Joel - storytelling - and Eric Clapton - great guitar work. That's close but, I have been stumped at trying to determine where he and the group fit stylistically. However, I enjoy the music so much that I really don't care. The music is original and evocative. Even as I sit here writing this review, listening to Salt, I am hard-pressed to say the music fits into this or that style. All I can say is: The lyrics, the music and the style weave together in such a way as to leave you listening to the album over and over. In fact my wife thinks that the 6-CD changer in my car is permanently locked onto Salt. I say, "Who needs the other 5 CDs...unless those slots are used for future WR albums!" Keep on stumpin' and amazin' us, Woody!
Whether you want to like it or not...
author: Megan MelaraThe first time I heard Woody Russell sing, I looked at my friend next to me and raised my eyebrows-you know the look, the one that follows gee,another open mic and everyone sucks with...wait-holy shit! This guy is GOOD! Actually, my first thought was I have GOT to SING with this guy. This album is everything I'd expect from Woody-emotional, raw, sincere, danceable, honest and full of talent. He is a one of a kind singer and guitar player-honestly one of the best I've ever heard-and thank god this album exhibits his true colors magnificently. I highly recommend it.
Salt stirs up old slumbering feelings from my heart and spices up my day
author: Joseph MaierI was jazzed to see that Woody Russell was playing at the Sisters Folk festivalin Oregon this year as I had seen him perform in Austin. His guitar style and chord progression sometimes reminds me of Pat Matheny's early work and the synchronization of his left hand/right hand work is clean and marvelous. The most awesome thing about "salt" though, is the subject matter. Woody's songs truely strike a chord deeply and personally with my own feelings. His sometimes bittersweet sometimes ribald lyrics and subject matter brings up old feelings and experiences leaving me with a sense of having had a not long enough personal conversation with an old friend.
Diverse, bold collection!
author: Laura T Lynch of Kweevak.comWoody Russell is skillful at melding modern and vintage seasons into well-produced songs. Russell is supported by a talented band playing lap steel, upright bass and additional vocals. Woody's lyrics look at the human experience with stories ranging from forgotten to victorious. Yet, his music is humorous and offers glimpses of hope. Salt is an eclectic mix of styles and all fourteen tracks are filled with rich imagery. 'Count On Me' is the strong opening track with standout jazzy instrumentation with each discernible as Woody warmly sings his visual lyrics. In comparison, the second song 'Parts and Labor' is witty and has an up-tempo, country flavor. 'Leaving' is slow and sweet with reflective lyrics and stellar, steel leads. Salt is a diverse, bold collection and a good complement to any music collection!
Love the CD, "Salt", bought it after hearing Woody perform one half of a live se
author: D. ParkhillLove the music and the words and the voices on this CD. I will definitely be telling my friends about the Woody Russell Trio.
Unique style, varied song types, great lyrical construction & delivery
author: DanThe song, In the Middle of the Fringe, could well describe the type of music on this CD. Hints of country, folk, jazz and rock with great lyrical construction and delivery. If you are looking for something solidly out of the ordinary yet strangely familiar, add this CD to your collection. I gave it 4 stars because there were a couple of songs that didn't work for me but may be just the thing that floats your boat.
Buy it today!
author: Mike MinnsIf you don't buy it today then... buy it tomorrow. This is what you would expect from Woody. A good mix of songs with meaningful lyrics and a tune that makes you tap you feet. Keep 'em comming Woody!
"...toe to toe with Newman"
author: JR Oliver - Ear Candy MagazineRandy Newman meets Tom Waits. Woody Russell is a true Americana performer in much the same vein as Woody Guthrie or Bruce Springsteen but Russell's songs have more of a show tune feel to them. I would go as far as to say Mr. Russell could go toe to toe with Newman if it came right down to it. Fourteen songs and not one single one is filler. Oh, and did I mention he's a hell of a guitar player too. I love his rhythm guitar work. It has a real percussive feel that will have your head bobbin' up and down like one of those little dogs that people have in their back windshield. This is a really fun album from top to bottom. It's easy to understand why Russell's fanbase is rapidly growing after giving this captivating Texas troubadour a listen.
Songs that have a longing about them...
author: Keith HannaleckThe name Woody Russell summons images of a man sitting in a musky old bar on a wooden stool with his guitar, singing and telling stories. While this image may not be the most flattering, it certainly puts things into proper perspective in the sense that the artist is as down to earth and original as the setting pictured in my minds eye. Although it may not sound like a compliment, it most certainly is in the most endearing sense of the word from my perspective. I really enjoyed the voyage Russell took me on through the fourteen tracks on his new CD Salt. I heard a cross section of sounds and flavors throughout this delightful disc. Russell has a down earth emotive vocal style that is sincere and warm. He is first and foremost a storyteller, and a very talented one that happens to sing, play guitar, banjo, and handle some percussion and loops to round out his musical multi tasking. I love the rhythmic sense, humor, and irony of “Parts and Labor.” “It’ll only you cost you parts and labor, to get that thing up and running, could be your soul or your carburetor.” It does not take a scholar to figure out he is singing about a lot more than a car, just a sensitive human being actually listening to the music and words. I found the slice of dark humor with the comparison of a mechanical object to a human soul interesting. Every track has its own unique storyline accompanied by the appropriate music whether it is get-down-in-the-mud blues or folk and Americana, the entire package is wrapped just so to make the message clear. Like the title track emotes-“She is the roots to my tree, the salt in my sea”-the words are prolific and expressed with sincerity. Each track has enough impact to make you think about the words; soak in all the music whilst anticipating the next song. Songs that have a longing about them, much like the whistle of steam driven train off in the distance, such as the short instrumental “Dog Dreams.” It makes you see an endless horizon in the Midwest, or think about a long lost friend, whatever comes to mind, the bottom line is this music works on you and gets you emotional. A job well done Mr. Russell, you are an original artist greatly appreciated by this listener.