Search - Claudia Russell :: Song Food

Song food is nourishing

Alice Carmody | Brattleboro, VT | 05/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Last week, as I was driving on a lengthy car trip, I put Ms. Russell's "Song Food" into my car's CD changer and had several responses to it that I would like to share. First, I noticed that, unlike any of the so-called country albums coming out of Nashville, "Song Food" actually SOUNDS like a country album and is unashamed of being a roots-oriented album. Second, I noticed that the album has a pleasant overall sound without that irritating tin-ny drum sound that most country albums employ. Moreover, it is not compressed to high heaven, as most Nashville albums are, and on the whole, doesn't sound at all "manufactured". I suppose it's unfair to compare Ms. Russell to most Nashville artists because this album was recorded in Los Angeles. There are, in fact, several cuts that sound like missing gems from the 70's Southern California roots-rock, singer-songwriter movement. Several moments on the CD remind me of Maria Muldaur's 1970's albums, such as "Whiskey Walk" and the traditional "Home on the Range". My favorite tracks are the ones that Russell herself wrote, particularly the tribute to her parents called "Dance," which is touching without being sentimental or cloying, a delicate balancing act that itself is the mark of true craftsmanship. Her acoustic version of the Motown standard "Second That Emotion" adds a dimension of earthy sensuality that I'd not quite noticed in the lyric before -- quite clever & playful, in fact."

What took me so long?

Jeff & Amy Shaw | Fond du Lac, WI United States | 08/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't imagine what took me so long to hear the likes of Claudia Russell & friends. The talent that pours out of this cd is unbelievable!It is a great mix of blues, folk, & country, & what a voice! She almost has a sound similar to Patsy Cline, especially evident on "Blue Flame Cafe". I love the instruments utilized! There is nothing like beautiful acoustic guitar,mandolin,viola,banjo & steel guitar music. This cd is a definite must have!!!"

A Multi-Colored Songbird With a One of a Kind CD

Patrice Webb | Georgetown, California USA | 07/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Claudia Russell has produced a CD that is blissfully free of all of the overproduction that seems to be the plague of the music world today. Throughout the playful free spirited feeling of this CD you can't help admiring her courage - few artists in this day and age of slick homogenized pop would have the courage to take the 60's R&B anthem "I Second That Emotion" and turn it into a folks song then switch gears and be equally home with the western swing inspired "Whisky Walk" and "Blue Flame Cafe". The fact that she can take a song like "Home on the Range" and mangage to make it sound wistful is worth the price of this CD alone.Some of the best are songs Russell either wrote or co-wrote. One of my favorites "Tall Blue Candle" is perhaps one of the most sad beautiful yearning love songs I have heard in a long time. Sounding like a very young Maria Muldar with a western twang, the songs on this CD are an eclectic mix of folk, blues,and western swing and country, giving the disk a laid back old timey feel that is at once sensual, playful, and soulful.Definitely a gem for those who are not afraid to be different."