Typical for the music of Calvin Russell was the abrupt change between no-frills, punchy, from the Electric blues -influenced roots rock and guitar -dominated, but equally expressive songs in singer-songwriter and folk style - a style that sometimes with the the US band Steppenwolf was compared. As an important intention of his musical creation Russell called the struggle for dignity, respect and acceptance. About the way to relieve the pain associated with success, he spoke against the Neue Zürcher Zeitung pessimistic: "I went through hell on earth, and this pain (...) one can never get by so great nor success." [3] Skeptical he commented in the late 1990s and the prospects of roots music in the USA: "Our sound is not applicable in the United States just as cool. Funny is that young rock groups like the Smashing Pumpkins live on the roots and we Americana -Musikern give much attention. Your CDs are not overproduced, wild and lyrical, I like that, "
European media certified Calvin Russell especially an exceptionally high degree of authenticity. Another unique feature of Russell applies the straightforwardness and dot precision of his music. Heinz-Jürgen Rippert wrote in an obituary on the website Suite101.com : "Calvin Russell impressed itself on a fast with his face marked by life. His voice was hard, rough and his songs seemed authentic. The songs are about life away from the established strata in the United States, beyond the glossy pages that are so happy paraded in the media. They tell of life on the streets, in prisons and the longing for dignity and a little luck. It is no accident called to the singer-songwriter as Charles Bukowski of music. " The music website musik-base.de wrote on the occasion of the release of the album In Spite Of It All: "Calvin Russell is one of the most authentic songwriters America. He wears his heart on his tongue, every angle of his great soul can be clearly seen for music fans. Russell's bluesy songs tell of freedom and adventure, of longing and vulnerability, of the undying love and deep disappointments, from the prairie, of never their goal reaching overland trains and the rugged beauty of the Wild West as it also today still existent is. "
Tracklist:
01. You're My Baby 03:46
02. Last Night 04:44
03. One Meat Ball 03:54
04. Crossroads 07:32
05. May Be Someday 05:35
06. Rockin' The Republicans 04:40
07. Baby I Love You 02:21
08. Love Stealer 04:12
09. You Don't Know 05:08
10. Down Down Down 03:41
11. One Meat Ball (Acoustic) 03:58
00:49:31
Recorded At – Arlyn Studios
Phonographic Copyright (p) – New Rose Records
Credits
Backing Vocals – Kimmie Rhodes
Bass – David Waddell
Design [Sleeve] – Huart / Cholley*
Drums – Leland Waddell
Guitar – Gary Craft
Photography By – Alain Duplantier
Photography By [Treatments] – Renaud Marot
Producer – Joe Gracey*
Saxophone – Tomas Ramirez*
Vocals, Guitar – Calvin Russell
Notes
Recorded at Arlyn Studios, Austin, TX.
This album is dedicated to Austin, Angie and Red with all my love.
(P) New Rose Records 1991 / Made in France
Posts
Lived in Austin for almost 15 years and Calvin was one of my favorite artists. It was a shame how underappreciated he was there and I was so glad he found some success overseas - Pete
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