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Sunday, 7 December, 2008 1:26 PM
CMA New Artist Spotlight: Shawna
Russell
Photo
by Cynthia Donati/Stepping Stones Photography
Way
Out West recording artist Shawna Russell
| By
Bob Doerschuk |
| ©
2008 CMA Close Up News Service |
Goddess, Shawna
Russell's debut album on Way Out West Records, wraps mainstream
pop, romantic balladry and high-impact rock 'n' roll into a pure
Country package. The Oklahoma native's singing echoes Martina McBride,
Stevie Nicks or Bonnie Raitt, depending on how hard the drums drive
or the power chords ring. As co-writer on 12 of these 13 songs,
she flaunts a commercial touch and tempers it with pure feeling,
whether in the stadium-sized anthem "Get Out of My Way,"
the crunchy punch of "Back on My Feet" or the Little Feat-flavored
funk of "Little Dixie."
Yet Goddess
ultimately showcases Russell's personal blend of toughness, tenderness
and tunefulness. Raised in a musical family, she was singing in
public by age 7 and co-leading a band with her father Keith at 13.
Four years later, as a member of Way Out West, her uncle Tim's band,
she was shining in the spotlight at The Grizzly Rose in Denver,
Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and
other high-profile clubs.
Her family ties remain
intact, with her father and uncle still writing with her and playing
in her band and Tim co-producing Goddess with Ted Curtis. But with
her name on the marquee now, with three years of touring with Ty
England behind her and a glittering future ahead, Russell can take
pride for launching her catalog with this powerful debut.
IN HER OWN WORDS
MUSICAL HERO
"My dad."
INFLUENCES
"The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Patty
Loveless and Juice Newton."
CD ON YOUR STEREO
"Gold, by Ryan Adams."
BOOK ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND
"Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting."
SONG YOU WISH YOU'D
WRITTEN
"'Leader of the Band,' by Dan Fogelberg."
GREATEST PERFORMANCE
TO DATE
"Opening for Keith Urban at the Grizzly Rose in Denver."
SECRET ABOUT YOU
THAT NO ONE WOULD GUESS
"I never wear a watch. They just stop working."
PET PEEVE
"People being tardy."
LUCKY CHARM
"A talisman necklace."
ACTRESS TO PORTRAY
YOU IN A BIOPIC ABOUT YOUR LIFE
"Diane Keaton."
WHEN THEY LOOK BACK
ON YOUR LIFE IN 50 YEARS, WHAT YOU HOPE PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU
"That I lived my dream and never gave up."
WHAT YOU WOULD BE
IF YOU WEREN'T A MUSICAL ARTIST
"Children's book author."
On the Web:
www.shawnarussell.com
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is Detroit's exclusive media outlet for this syndicated weekly column!
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