Woody Russell_

• WR reaches #8 on SAB Weekly Charts during first week!

Highest new entry goes to our very own "Randy Newman meets Tom Waits", Woody Russell, who makes a very respectable debut at #8. We're expecting great things! Described surprisingly accurately as “Randy Newman meets Tom Waits”,  this talented Americana acoustic artist is also a fine guitarist who excels on three songs from his 2005 award winning album “Salt”. Doing well here in his first week comes as no surprise - talent will out, after all. -SAB Tribune

• "SALT" - Nominated For '06 IMA "Album Of The Year"

Woody Russell hits the mark with his “Technicolor Americana”; where jazz, blues, country and soul mingle warmly on the scene. A highly-tuned and versatile voice, sparkling finger-style guitar work and adventurous lyricism place Russell in a class of his own. His most recent release is, “Salt”; a brilliant CD garnering a 2006 IMA “Album of the Year” nomination that is “a proof point in support of his blossoming career.”

Touring throughout North America, Russell has been a featured artist at major festivals including Newport, SXSW, Winterfolk, Houston Int’l and Sisters Folk Festivals. He has also showcased at NXNE and the Nashville New Music Conference, among others. Woody Russell was one of the Top 5 New Talent Finalists of 2004 at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival; the only finalist to receive a coveted invitation to perform at Newport in 2005 alongside a lineup that included Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris and Richard Thompson. The Newport Daily News regarded Russell as an “audience favorite.”

In writing and recording songs for his latest CD, “Salt”, Woody continued to hone his trademark, sophisticated sound. As a modern troubadour with an ear for craftsmanship, his songs are distilled from a potent blend of diverse musical ingredients. He states that he tries "not to lean too hard on the obvious. Which for me,” Russell continues, “means searching for a genuine voice in my work and not delivering more recycled, unimaginative grist for the mill.” His songs catalogue a view of the human experience that is populated with the victorious and the forgotten, the lovers and the heartbroken. Yet, even his darkest songs are tinged with hope and gentle humor. He writes of a social consciousness. He explores the philosophical. Occasionally, he admits to being a helpless romantic and in choosing to up the musical ante, Woody Russell embraces the chance to create compelling, well penned magic.

Press:

“Randy Newman meets Tom Waits. I would go as far as to say Mr. Russell could go toe to toe with Newman if it came right down to it. Oh, and did I mention he’s a hell of a guitar player too. It’s easy to understand why his Russell’s fan base is rapidly growing after giving this captivating Texas troubadour a listen.”   - J.R. Oliver, EarCandyMag.com

“Very tasteful music making…” – John Aielli, host of “Eklektikos” on KUT FM, Austin

“He's got some powerful, gut-emanating pipes, full of soul and deeply-felt conviction. He immediately drew attention with his intricate finger work. The packed crowd was roaring… awesome lyrics about farms, liquor, women and solitude… eclectic and unique and worth more than the price of admission.” - Chart Magazine

“A little taste of Americana, Salt is a poetic string of love and loss. With an ear for craftsmanship, this album successfully captures the roots-folk sound often lost in production.”  - Dan Cummings, Hyperactive Magazine