Claudia Russell “Ready to Receive” (Radio Rhythm Records 2006)

Eclectic selection of folk, blues and in between by a great singer.

This is the second solo album by Russell who has flirted around the edges of folkdom for some years. With seven selfpenned songs and six covers it runs the gamut from folk to country blues with some bluegrass and plain old pop thrown in. With sound instrumental backing throughout what stands out is the quality of her vocals. Russell is a real singer, adapting easily to the different styles on show effortlessly. On some of the songs there is a similarity to Kate McGarrigle’s style but Russell can slip from sultry (as on opening track “Ready To Receive”) to country gal (“Oh California”) at the drop of a hit. The songwriting is of a high quality also with “Oh California” destined to be a country staple if enough people hear it and “Bugs” which is a dreamlike evocation of Russell’s back yard. She can even take a done to death standard such as Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll Be staying Here With You” head on, stamping her own personality on it. Other highlights include “Galesburg”, a bluesy drama with dobro and excellent harp playing and “Aurora” (written by Fred Alley) which sounds as if it was sung by Joan Baez if she was your big sister and she was tucking you into bed. An excellent album.

Date review added:  Thursday, May 04, 2006
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Claudia Russell website