Shawna Russell starts a “Rumor,” offering free download
Oklahoma country artist Shawna Russell is offering a free download of her powerful new song, “Rumor,” during the month of November at her Web site www.shawnarussell.com/home.htm. The talented Okemah singer is in great voice on this new track, which is definitely a great free gift.
Fans who download the song will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition series signed copy of Russell’s unreleased “Goddess Multimedia Edition” CD/DVD combo at a special price of $14.99.
“Rumor” has spread across radio waves and the Internet since its release three weeks ago on AirPlayDirect.com, the global digital-to-radio delivery service, according to a news release.
“Rumor” has dominated the service’s Global Radio Download Charts, reaching the No. 1 position on no less than five of their charts, including Top 50 Tracks This Month, where “Rumor” and four other Russell compositions held five out of seven of the top positions – ahead of new releases by Roseanne Cash featuring Bruce Springsteen and Patty Loveless.
“This song really has taken on a life of its own,” Russell said in the release. “It was not intended to be a traditional single release to radio, but after Robert Weingartz, the CEO of AirPlay Direct, heard the song – he insisted that we make it available to his radio members – and the response from programmers around the world has been amazing.”
The reaction to the song was so strong that AirPlay Direct rushed a songwriter profile about Russell and “Rumor” into the November issue of their new digital/interactive publication the Direct Buzz (www.thedirectbuzz.com).
“Time will tell if ‘Rumor’ will become an official radio single for me,” Russell added in the release. “For now, I am excited that people are reacting so positively to it.”
Written by Shawna Russell, her father Keith and her uncle Tim, “Rumor” explores the darker side of Russell’s passion in a powerful song that marries voice, lyric, music – and the magic that happens when there are no rules to follow – or genre categories to fence in creativity.
“Rumor” was produced in Nashville by Tim Russell and Clif Doyal and reunites key players from Russell’s debut CD, including Emmy and Grammy-winning mix master Nathaniel Kunkel (Maroon 5/Sting) and guitarist extraordinaire Jon Conley (LeAnn Rimes/Wynonna). The production also features a stellar group of all-star musicians, including keyboardist Charles Judge (Bon Jovi/Rascal Flatts), drummer Billy Thomas (Vince Gill), and bassist Mike Brignardello (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Sugarland).
Along with the free download of “Rumor” at her Web site, Russell’s fans will also have the opportunity to purchase her not-yet-released “Goddess Multimedia Edition.” The deluxe CD/DVD combo includes all 13 tracks from her critically-acclaimed debut CD, “Goddess,” and an original booklet with song lyrics and photos.
The DVD features Russell’s video biography, music video for her No. 1 YallWire and CMT.com favorite, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels.” It also includes exclusive, never-before-seen content including the unreleased video, “Wheels – The Director’s Cut,” plus alternate and unreleased versions of her singles “Goddess” and “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” and a live recording of Russell singing onstage at the Oklahoma Opry at age 9. The DVD also includes several photo galleries from her career, plus downloadable artist bio, videos, fact sheet, song lyrics, CD reviews and more.
The Okemah singer-songwriter was introduced onto the national music scene with the release of her debut CD, “Goddess,” in early 2008. Her music has received rave reviews from yours truley, CMA Close Up, Country Weekly and esteemed Music Row critic Robert K. Oermann, among others. With the release of three well-received radio singles, “Goddess,” “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” and “Fire In The Desert,” Russell has established herself as a strong contender on the country and Texas music scenes. She has also earned international acclaim from Europe’s top music publications, including Maverick Magazine in the UK and DreamWest Magazine in France.
For more information, go to: www.ShawnaRussell.com and www.MySpace.com/shawnarussell878.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup for Sept. 25-27, 2009
Taylor Swift (Associated Press photo)
Here is a list of events happening around Oklahoma this weekend (Sept. 25-27). For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
- TULSA — Hear country starlet Taylor Swift, with Kellie Pickler and Gloriana, at 7 p.m. Sunday at the BOK Center, 200 S Denver. Information: (866) 726-5287 or www.bokcenter.com.
- Take in small artworks by 150 Oklahoma artists, live music and food at the 12×12 Art Show & Sale at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Fred Jones Industries Building, 900 W Main. The event is the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s sole fundraiser. Information: 879-2400 or www.12×12okc.org.
- DEL CITY — Share an evening with servicemen and women at Vets Fest 2009, featuring Ronnie Kaye and Mike Black and the Stingrays, from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at American Legion Post 73, 5000 SE 24. The event raises funds for the Oklahoma Women Veterans program. Information: 833-4140.
Gary Allan
- Catch PRCA bullriding followed by .38 Special in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday during the Oklahoma State Fair’s “Rockin’ Bulls” at Jim Norick State Fair Arena. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, “Bulls & Brawn” will feature more bullriding action plus music by Gary Allan. Information: 948-6700 or www.okstatefair.com.
- Also at the Oklahoma State Fair, hear Boyz II Men at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Black Stone Cherry at 8 p.m. Saturday on the Toyota Stage at State Fair Park. These performances are free with outside gate admission. Information: www.okstatefair.com.
- THACKERVILLE – Or, catch Gary Allan at 9 p.m. Friday at WinStar World Casino, 777 Casino Ave. The casino will feature singer-songwriter Jonny Lang in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.winstarworldcasino.com.
Cross Canadian Ragweed
- Hear Cross Canadian Ragweed, Tesla, Toadies, Brandon Jenkins, Mike McClure, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Seth James and Stephanie Briggs Saturday at the Sixth Annual Cross Canadian Ragweed Family Jam at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, and the music starts at 3 p.m. The concert is a fundraiser for Mandi’s Ministries. Information: 364-3700 or www.zooamp.com. (Look for my story on the event Friday.)
- CHICKASHA — Listen to country singer Gene Watson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Chickasha High School Performing Arts Theatre, 101 John P. Cowan. Information: (405) 243-7252.
- CHOCTAW – Raise awareness about cancer at a fundraising event hosted by Choctaw restaurant Bandana Red’s, 14030 SE 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds will benefit Ally’s House and the St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Institute. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. with a two-milewalk for cancer awareness starting at Old Germany Restaurant, 15920 SE 29, and ending at Bandana Red’s. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, hot links, chips and drinks will be served. The event also will feature face painting and inflatables for kids, a motorcycle and antique car show and an auction. Live music will be provided by Shawna Russell, Mitch Cason and the Big Idea, Brother Outlaw, Jack Rowdy, Darlin Darla and New Hope Cowboy Gospel, and Ty England will make a special appearance. Information: 869-0303.
Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers
- TULSA – Hear The Avett Brothers with Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main. Information: www.cainsballroom.com.
- MIAMI – Listen to the Randy Rogers Band at 8 p.m. Friday at Buffalo Run Casino, 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. Information: www.buffalorun.com.
- Take in live music by local bands, a children’s arts activity area hosted by Wilson Elementary PTA, and delicious food, wine and beer from restaurants around Oklahoma City during the 14th Annual Mesta Festa from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday in Mesta Park, at NW 18 and Shartel in the historic Mesta Park Neighborhood. Information: www.mestapark.org.
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
- TULSA – Hear Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at 9 p.m. Friday at The Marquee, 222 N Main. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- DEL CITY - Take in dog/owner pet contests, door prizes, a silent auction, an Elvis impersonator, children’s game and live music from the Rainy Day Six Band and The Boxer Rebellion at the second annual Hawgs for Hounds, a fundraising event for the nonprofit Red Dirt Boxer Rescue. Hawgs for Hounds will take place rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Ray Trent Park, adjacent to the Del City Dog Park. Friendly, well-behaved pets are welcome at the event. A motorcycle run will begin at 9:30 a.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. Information: www.reddirtboxerrescue.com.
- See fine Western saddles, bits, spurs, braided rawhide and exquisite silver work by 20 talented gear makers from the United States, Canada and Argentina at the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Annual Exhibition and Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63. The exhibit is scheduled to open Saturday and will run through Dec. 6. Information: www.nationalcowboymuseum.org. (Look for my story on the event Friday.)
John McEuen
- NORMAN – Hear John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Lions Park, 201 W Daws. The free show is the final in the 2009 Summer Breeze Concert Series sponsored by the Performing Arts Studio. Information: www.thepas.org. (See my review of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s new album “Speed of Life” on Friday.)
- Listen to Antsy McClain and Edgar Cruz at 9 p.m. Friday at The Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley. Information: www.bluedoorokc.com.
- Hear Gentle Ghost, Depth and Current and Feel Spectres at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at The Opolis, 113 N Crawford. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- Laugh along as Red Dirt Improv performs at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday at the new IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan. Matt Donnelly, formerly of New York City’s Neutrino Video Project, will be sitting in with the local troupe. Information: http://www.reddirtimprov.com/calendar.html.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup for Aug. 28-30, 2009
Jackson Browne
Here is a list of events happening in Oklahoma this weekend (Aug. 28-30):
- Hear Jackson Browne at 8 tonight at the Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Information: 364-3700 or www.zooamp.com.
- Take in hands-on art activities, mini-tours, dance demonstrations and more from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Family Day celebrating the exhibit “Turner to Cezanne” at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive. Information: 236-3100 or www.okcmoa.com.
- NORMAN – See the wares of local artists and crafters and hear live music at the Dustbowl Arts Market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on Buchanan Street on Campus Corner. Information: 447-5929 or www.dustbowlartsmarket.com.
- NORMAN – Catch Mama Sweet in concert at 10 tonight at The Deli, 309 White Street. Information: www.thedeli.us.
Joe Ely
- Listen to Joe Ely at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley. Information: 524-0738 or www.bluedoorokc.com.
- Catch the cowboy action at the 25th Annual Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Range Roundup at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at State Fair Arena. Information: 948-6807 or www.okstatefairpark.com.
- TULSA – Hear country star Lee Ann Womack and CMT’s “Can You Duet?” winners Steel Magnolia at 7 p.m. Saturday at Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino’s Osage Event Center, 951 W 36 Street North. Information: www.milliondollarelm.com/event-center.
- BRISTOW – Listen to Oklahoma country-rock singer Shawna Russell perform a benefit concert for the Bristow Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police Saturday at the Freeland Center, Hwy 16 and Ash, on the campus of the Bristow High School. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with opening band The Sock Monkeys taking the stage at 7 and Russell starting her set at 7:45. Information: (918) 367-2251.
The Uglysuit
- NORMAN – Listen to The Uglysuit with Dead Sea Choir at 9:30 tonight at The Opolis, 113 N. Crawford. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- STILLWATER – Hear The Uglysuit, Sherree Chamberlain and Deer People at 8 p.m. Saturday at Eskimo Joe’s, 501 W Elm. Information: www.eskimojoes.com.
- THACKERVILLE and NORMAN – Hear Heart at 9 tonight at WinStar World Casino, 777 Casino Ave. in Thackerville. Information: www.winstarworldcasino.com. Or catch the classic rockers at 8 p.m. Saturday at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West Hwy 9. Information: www.riverwind.com.
Larry the Cable Guy
- SHAWNEE – Laugh along with Larry the Cable Guy at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday at Firelake Grand Casino, 1601 S Gordon Cooper Drive. Information: www.firelakegrand.com.
- TULSA – Celebrate the Red Dirt Rangers’ 20th Anniversary at a benefit show at 7 tonight at Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main. The show will raise money for musicians facing medical problems. The concert also will feature the Turnpike Troubadours and reunited band Medicine Show. Information: www.cainsballroom.com.
- Listen to Student Film, Feel Spectres and Depth And Current at 8 tonight at The Conservatory, 8911 N Western. Information: www.conservatoryokc.com.
- See Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s performance of “Twelfth Night” at 8 tonight and Saturday on the Myriad Gardens Water Stage in downtown. Performances will continue through Sept. 5. Information: www.oklahomashakespeare.com.
Pat Green
- MIAMI – Hear Pat Green at 8 p.m. Saturday at Buffalo Run Casino, 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. Information: www.buffalorun.com.
- Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Individual Artists of Oklahoma with visual and performance art, poetry, film, live music, dancing, free food and a cash bar from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the new IAO Gallery, 706 W Sheridan. Information: www.iaogalleryorg.
- TULSA – Check out the Hardwork Summer Fest featuring Native Lights, Dead Sea Choir, Unwed Sailor, Callupsie and Fiawna Forte at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Marquee, 222 N Main Street. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- Take in the Oklahoma County Free Fair today and Saturday at State Fair Park. Information: www.okstatefairpark.com.
-BAM
Shawna Russell billboard featured in Country Weekly magazine
A billboard featuring Oklahoma country singer Shawna Russell is drawing national attention. It is featured in the July 13 edition Country Weekly magazine, now on sale.
The billboard is on Interstate-240 in Oklahoma City. A photo of it is included in the magazine’s “Hot Shots” section on page seven.
The billboard, purchased by Russell sponsor Lance Faulkner of Little River Music Valley and Music 4 Life Studios in Tecumseh, has also been featured recently in Music Row Magazine, All About Country.com, Music News Nashville.com and other outlets.
Faulkner has placed a similar billboard along I-35 North, near the Texas/Oklahoma border, according to a news release.
Russell will perform Friday night at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami. For more information, go to www.ticketstorm.com.
-BAM
Weekend Warmup
Wanda Jackson (Photo by Paul B. Southerland/The Oklahoman)
Here is a preview of Oklahoma events happening the weekend of July 10-12:
- NORMAN- Watch Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Oklahoman Wanda Jackson perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Andrews Park, 201 W Daws. The show is part of the Summer Breeze Concert Series. Information: 307-9320 or www.thepas.org.
- OKEMAH – Take in songwriting workshops, a documentary screening and performances by Jimmy LaFave, John Gorka, Ellis Paul and more as the 12th annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival continues today-Sunday at various venues in Okemah. Information: www.woodyguthrie.com.
- Listen to the country-rock music of Junior Brown and his “guit-steel” double-neck axe “Big Red” at 10 p.m. Friday at the Wormy Dog Saloon, 311 E Sheridan Ave. Information: 601-6276 or www.wormydog.com.
- TULSA – See the documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil” and participate in a Q&A with the band Friday at Circle Cinema, 12 S Lewis. Opening-night screenings will be at 7 and 9 p.m., with the Q&A at 8:30. Information: (918) 585-3456 or www.circlecinema.com.
Tosha Fischbach forms glass with a flame during the Firehouse Arts Center’s 2008 Midsummer Night’s Fair in Norman. (Photo by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives)
- NORMAN - Take in art, live music, children’s activities and more at the 33rd annual Midsummer Night’s Fair at Lion’s Park, 400 block of S Flood. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Information: 329-4523.
- MIAMI – Hear Oklahoma country singer Shawna Russell at 8 p.m. Friday at Buffalo Run Casino, 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. Information: www.buffaloruncasino.com.
- Catch country trio Lady Antebellum at 8 p.m. Saturday at Frontier City, 11501 N I-35 Service Road. Information: www.frontiercity.com.
Graham Colton (The Oklahoman Archives)
- Hear Oklahoma City singer-songwriter Graham Colton and celebrate his new EP release at 9 p.m. Friday at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley. Doors open at 8 p.m. Information: 524-0738 or www.bluedoorokc.com.
- PRYOR – See RATT, Night Ranger, Twisted Sister, Nelson, Anthrax, Skid Row and many more bands perform at Rocklahoma 2009 today-Sunday at the Catch the Fever festival grounds near Pryor. Information: www.feverfest.com.
- NORMAN – Hear R&B star Brian McKnight at 8 p.m. Friday at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West Hwy 9. Information: www.riverwind.com.
Oklahomans Jonathan Beck Reed (Harold Hill) and Teri Bibb (Marian Paroo) head the cast of Lyric Theatre’s 2009 season opener, Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.” (Photo provided by Wendy Mutz)
- Watch Lyric Theatre’s production of “The Music Man” at 8 p.m. today and Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker. Information: www.lyrictheatreokc.com.
- Hear Balthazar, Red City Radio, The Anchor and Negative Negative at 9 p.m. Friday at The Conservatory, 8911 N Western Ave. Information: www.ticketstorm.com.
- Catch the final weekend of Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “As You Like It” at 8 p.m. today-Saturday at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage in downtown. Information: www.oklahomashakespeare.com.
Kevan Rupp Lunney’s “Pod” from the exhibit “Modern Materials: The Art of the Quilt.”
- See “Modern Materials: The Art of the Quilt,” an exhibit of contemporary quilt art, at [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE Third. The opening reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; a free lecture with quilt artist Pam RuBert is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Information: 815-9995 or www.artspaceatuntitled.org.
- Hear Toadies with special guests Willowz and Welcome the Silence Friday night at the Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. Information: www.diamondballroom.net.
- Scoot over to Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery for Rally on the Alley, IAO’s second annual fundraiser and celebration of classic scooters and scooter-related art. The event is set for 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the gallery, 811 N Broadway. Information: www.iaogallery.org.
-BAM
Shawna Russell to be featured in TV special
Shawna Russell performs Saturday at Country Fever in Pryor.
Up-and-coming Oklahoma country singer Shawna Russell will be featured in a local TV special at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Russell will be profiled on “Believe in Oklahoma: Most Fascinating Oklahomans,” a special produced and to air on KOCO-5 in Oklahoma City.
Jessica Schambach, nightly news anchor at KOCO, met with Russell during the recent CMA Music Festival in Nashville and interviewed the singer-songwriter on a number of topics.
The interview covered a wide range of topics, from Russell’s co-ownership of her record label, Way Out West, to her third single, “Fire in the Desert” from her 2008 debut album “Goddess.” The album was recorded in Oklahoma City.
The Okemah resident has been a working musician for most of her life, first singing in public at age 7. She performed last Saturday at the big Country Fever Music Festival in Pryor.
Other Oklahomans included in the show will be mother and daughter authors, P.C. and Kristin Cast; Congressman Dan Boren; KOCO “Eyewitness News 5 at 5″ anchor, Paul Folger; and Mike Gundy, current OSU football coach.
“I am amazed that they have chosen a small town girl like me to be in the company of the illustrious names who are included in this special.” says Russell in a news release. “I am truly honored.”
-BAM
Shawna Russell releases music video
Okemah country singer-songwriter Shawna Russell has officially released the music video for her current Way Out West Records single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels.” I reported to you previously that the video was up on her Web site, www.shawnarussell.com, but now it is appearing on the country networks’ sites, too.
The video has been added at CMT.com. You can click here to see it there. It also is embedded here courtesy CMT.com.
And it is currently featured as a “Top Pick” at GACtv.com. You can click here to see it on that lineup.
“Wheels” was directed and produced by Flick Wiltshire of Nashville-based Vintage Flick. Shooting for the production took place in late November at various locations in Oklahoma, including the Sellers Ranch, Crow River Bottom and other locations in and around Drumright, and at the Steel Horse Saloon in Seminole, according to a news release.
A real family affair, the video features several members of the Russell family, including Shawna’s father Keith, uncle Tim, and sister Jayme – who all perform in her band. Her grandmother Norma Russell and nephew Nick Haddox also make their acting debuts.
As the video opens, Russell’s band is setting up for a show, but she is not there yet. Her RV is smoking and broken down on the side of the road. As the story unfolds, she strikes out for the gig – guitar in hand – and hitches a series of rides with an interesting cast of characters. The vignettes are intercut with solo performance shots of Russell on electric guitar and full band sequences that highlight her on slide guitar.
Russell – who co-wrote the song – conceived the storyline for the video along with Tim Russell.
“It is based on an actual event that happened to us when we were on the road in Texas several years ago,” Russell says in the release. “Our RV caught on fire and we had to leave it on the side of the road. Looking back, it’s funny now, but it sure wasn’t at the time!”
Russell adds, “It was a real blast to make this video. We had so much fun. I’m looking forward to the next one!”
As I reported here previously, Russell also is featured in Country Weekly’s “Who’s New” feature in the Jan. 26 edition of the magazine on sale now.
-BAM
Shawna Russell featured in Country Weekly magazine
Okemah country-rock singer-songwriter Shawna Russell and her latest single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” are profiled in a full-page “Who’s New” feature in the Jan. 26 edition of Country Weekly magazine on stands now.
In the feature, Russell talks about her early experiences performing with her father, Keith, and her uncle, Tim. The three family members wrote most of the songs for her debut CD, “Goddess,” released last year and picked as one of my top 10 albums of 2008.
Russell also talks about the three years that she toured as a part of Ty England’s backing band and how much she learned from him about the art of entertaining a crowd.
“He would really reach out to those audiences and pull them into everything that he was doing,” she tells Country Weekly. “They would be so enthralled with him. It was nice to watch that.”
Of her latest single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” Russell tells the magazine that it reflects her taste for travel.
“Ever since I was 17 we’ve been on the road,” Russell says. “I’m not content to be in the same place all the time.”
“Wheels” continues to climb the Music Row and Texas Music charts, and Russell released this week a video for the song that was filmed in Oklahoma over the holidays. Click here to see it.
For the latest updates, go to www.ShawnaRussell.com.
-BAM
Shawna Russell ending year at Ada New Year’s celebration
ADA – Okemah country singer Shawna Russell will wrap up a big year by performing at “First Night Ada” tonight on the campus of East Central University.
Russell will be part of the free public celebration taking place from 6 to midnight and culiminating with a laser light show. The family-friendly and alcohol-free event will feature 60 performing artists.
Russell and her band are scheduled for two concert appearances, at 6 and 8:45 this evening at the Dorothy Summers Theater.
“First Night Ada” will close out Russell’s “breakthrough” year. After performing since she was a child, and full-time since age 17, Russell stepped onto the national stage in 2008 with the release of her debut album, “Goddess,” which has spawned two radio singles - the title song, “Goddess,” and her current single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” currently climbing the Texas and national radio charts.
On the national stage, Russell’s debut CD has been given rave reviews by the Country Music Association’s magazine, CMA Close Up, Country Weekly, and Country Stars Online, among many others. The CD made my list of top 10 albums of 2008.
International audiences also have welcomed Russell’s music. “Goddess” was selected from among hundreds of entries submitted from around the world and named a finalist in the “Country Album” category by the Independent Music Awards. She has received airplay from Australia to Japan. And England’s Maverick and France’s DreamWest magazines both heralded her as a powerful and unique new voice on the music scene.
Russell toured a great deal of America in 2008 to promote her music. She visited radio and TV outlets in Nashville, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Atlanta and Tampa – along with almost every radio station in Oklahoma. At the same time, she performed her regular schedule of concert performances – sometimes working for weeks on end without a day off.
“It has been a very exciting time for me,” Russell said in a news release. ”Seeing my lifelong dream beginning to come true has been an incredible experience. I am truly blessed. I want to thank each and every fan who is on this journey with me. I look forward to an even bigger 2009!”
For more about Russell, go to www.shawnarussell.com.
For more information on “First Night Ada,” go to www.firstnightada.com.
-BAM
Friday Featured Tracks
Colourmusic
For today’s Friday Featured Track, I’m going to attempt to list my favorite song from each of my top 10 albums of 2008. In some cases, it will be tough to choose just one; in others, one song is so incredibly sublime that it stands out from the rest.
Here they are, in the order the albums appear on my list of the best:
1. “The Right Place to Fade,” from Lindsey Buckingham’s “Gift of Screws.” This frenetic, amazingly catchy pop ditty is so nice, this is its second appearance on the FFT.
2. “Spring Song,” from Colourmusic’s ”f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13.” I simply cannot resist this effervescent song. “I’m blowing bubbles in the air …”
3. “Warwick Avenue,” from Duffy’s “Rockferry.” It was tough to choose an absolute favorite from this big-voiced Brit’s excellent debut, but I went with this powerful heartbreaker. I can barely watch the video without tearing up.
Metallica
4. “Broken, Beat & Scarred,” from Metallica’s “Death Magnetic.” This is another song making its second appearance on the FFT. Have I mentioned lately how great a guitar genius Kirk Hammett is? No? Then, I’m gonna mention it right now.
5. “Strange Way,” from Shawna Russell’s “Goddess.” Again, there are so many great songs on this Okemah singer-songwriter’s debut album it was hard to pick just one. But this country girl proves she can flat-out rock ’70s style on her cover of Firefall’s 1978 hit.
6. “Chapter I: The River,” from Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers’ “The Confiscation”: Talk about hard to choose just one song: Crain’s debut EP actually is a musical novella, so the five storytelling tracks are all part of one overarching narrative. But the most amazing track has got to be the first one, a chilling tale of a preacher drowning those he baptizes, delivered with jaunty harmonicas, bouncy percussion and Crain’s smoky voice.
7. “Life in Technicolor,” from Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”: The first time I hard this lushly beautiful song, I had a strong feeling this album would be on my top 10 list.
Jason Boland & the Stragglers
8. “Comal County Blue,” from Jason Boland & the Stragglers’ “Comal County Blue”: I actually probably like the Red Dirt band’s cover of the late Bob Childers’ “Outlaw Band” a bit better, but the title track really speaks to me. I can really relate to the restlessness in Boland’s voice as he sings about getting out of his small-town rut.
9. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” from Brad Paisley’s “Play”: Paisley has a tradition of including a hymn on all his albums, and his instrumental version of this old favorite is wonderful.
10. “This Land Is Your Land,” from “Ribbon of Highway Endless Skyway: The Woody Guthrie Tribute Tour”: The late Bob Childers, Eliza Gilkyson, Jimmy LaFave and other folk/Americana luminaries unite to do a soaring live version of Guthrie’s most famous song. I doesn’t get much better than that, folks.
-BAM
