Customer Reviews

Song Food

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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!!!

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.

I have had the priviledge of singing with Claudia last year, and to hear her CD is a true wonder. Her voice is laden with emotion, and she is an unsung wonder of the music world. If you like clean, pure music, pick this CD up- you will not be disappointed.

It's only a matter of time before the world discovers Claudia Russell. Her voice can be sweet and fragile, yet she can summon up a nasty growl when the song calls for one. This album includes four originals, two traditional songs arranged by Russell, and six great cover tunes, including a surprising soulful bluegrass version of "I Second That Emotion." Claudia often evokes other fine women singers like Bonnie Raitt and Mary-Chapin Carpenter. Carol Elliott's "Try Try Again," is one of several highlights of the album. If you ever have the chance to see her live, you must go! In the meantime, check out Song Food for a good old time.

This is a CD that I found because of Patrice Webb's list here on Amazon! (Thanks, Patrice!) I couldn't find it anywhere else; so I bought it here on Amazon! (Thanks, Amazon!) This CD is a real treasure. Claudia Russell is a great singer. She has an expressive alto. "Prairie Song" is a great opener; and Claudia is like a song thrush! (The cover has me thinking birds!) "(All She Wanted to Do) is Dance" is a rollicking little country tune about her mom and dad, and her mother's love of dance. Since I'm originally from Iowa (Winterset), I loved the mention of that great state. I really enjoyed the soulful folk rendering of Smokey Robinson's "I Second That Emotion." It's a highly original cover. "Whiskey Walk" is a bluesy tribute to Mr. Beam & Mr. Daniels who "keep me warm." "Tall Blue Candle" is a slow melancholy tune that makes you realize just how beautiful Claudia Russell's voice is. "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" is a plucky washboard melody. You get the feeling of an uphill climb in the music of "Try Try Again." "Until I Got You In My Arms" is a rocking little tune where Claudia sings, "Nothing gets me hot, until I got you in my arms." I think you should buy the CD for the next track. Every country singer looking for a tear-in-your-beer hit song should be rushing to record "Weakness." If Faith Hill recorded it, it'd be all we'd have heard all summer. This is a classic song with a breathtakingly beautiful melody. "My weakness is the strongest force I've ever known. I've got a weakness; and that weakness is you." Buy this CD if only for that one track! "Blue Flame Cafe" is another nice bluesy song, "Someone plays that juke box telling me about loving and its losing game." "Home on the Range" is well sung with a country twang. The CD ends with "Western Skies," an upbeat ballad that has a "bury me on the lone prairie" theme. This is an original CD from a singer bursting with talent. Tune in or miss out!

This is a remarkable first CD from a very gifted singer. Russell draws from a wide range of influences and writers to produce an eclectic acoustic record that skates around the edges of Americana. Most moving are Russell's own compositions, "Dance" and "Tall Blue Candle." But she can rock out a bit two, as demonstrated by the cajun inspired "Until I Got You In My Arms." An unexpected delight from an under the radar stellar talent.