146808451

David Russell was born in the citrus grove country of Florida. His ancestors migrated in 1840 from Acadia/Nova Scotia into Quebec, eventually settling in Florida. As a child, he heard his Dad sing naval ditties, old Acadian and depression era songs. His Dad gave him his 85 year old violin which he tried to learn by ear. He began formal musical training at age 8, with lessons under country/blues/jazz guitarist Roger Soule and classical guitar with a Segovia School Master, performing his first school recital at age 9, a Villa Lobos piece. Hunting and fishing all over Florida,Georgia and the Blueridge, & working in the groves with his friends, he grew up living and working outdoors. His interest turned to steel string acoustic guitar after he heard Merle Travis on one of his Mom's records and began a lifelong love of traditional bluegrass, country blues & mountain string music.In the late 60's he slipped into local venues underage and played in different bands from country/folk to blues, jazz and rock and did his first paid gig at 13. Early influences were FL banjoist Paul Champion, guitarist/singer Jim Ballew and the great Travis-picking troubadour Gamble Rogers, who later became his musical mentor and friend. In 1971 he made a trip to Nashville which changed his life- 4 nights in a row listening to Norman Blake, Tut Taylor and John Hartford (the soon-to-be Dobrolic Plectral Society-the future Aereoplain Band) at the Old Time Picking Parlor, then at the GTR store.Later on, he listened all evening for three nights at a "hole in the wall" bar where Norman picked whatever he wanted. David picked in a few of the legendary Nashville watering holes of the time, and met Bill Monroe at an incredible after hours set. Learning every tune on Norman's first solo album, he plays those songs to this day, true to Norman’s crosspicking style.Out of the Gainesville, FL acoustic music scene of the early 70's, he left schooling to take his music on the road. Founding a trio (Brouhaha), he toured 16 years as a soloist & with bassist/producer J.D. Foster. He has toured and appeared with Doc & Merle Watson, Norman & Nancy Blake, Lester Flatt & the Nashville Grass (w/ Marty Stuart),The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John McEuen, John Hartford & Vassar Clements, John Hammond, Gamble Rogers(his mentor), Jimmy Buffett, Steve Goodman, Mickey Clark, Will McLean (poet laureate of Florida), Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Stephen Wade, Vince Martin(of Martin & Neil)and many other artists & friends. David’s work in arrangement includes what is widely acknowledged as the definitive version of "The Kennesaw Line" , Don Oja-Dunaway's classic War Between the States ballad, and Lowell George's "Face of Appalachia". He is a prolific songwriter and between road dates he does studio work, advertising jingles, film music and on call sideman jobs. David got advanced degrees in Biology & Biochemistry, specializing in cardiovascular disease for a "real job" he had along the way. As a songwriter and performer he has traveled all over the country, holding to his family and musical roots, entertaining audiences with his wide repertoire. Living in the foothills of the Blueridge, and supported by his devoted wife who is a writer, he is recording, writing and performing. David has had the honor of meeting and working with great artists who shared their God-given gifts. Some have passed on and are dearly missed. He hopes to see them and play music together in this life and the next. He loves music and it shows every time he plays.
Press Reviews
“……With a musical career that has taken him to every major listening room in the South and Northeast, David plays with energy and presence born out of loving what he does…and it shows..”
-Chicago Sun Times
“ A guitarist’s guitarist who plays mandolin and dobro as well. With a wide-ranging clear voice, he performs his songs and those of his fellow writers with an energy and sensitivity that captivates… a broad brush of styles from bluegrass and traditional music, Delta blues and Travis-picked country to contemporary acoustic… the man’s a natural”
-Hunstville Times (AL)
“When Russell performs, his manner counterpoints the sometimes serious nature of his songs… he moves smoothly from blues to ballads, flatpicking to jazz… throwing out one-liners and then ducking an imaginary beer bottle… a tasteful troubadour who delivers a full course show”
-The Florida Alligator (Gainesville, FL)
“Outstanding! Refreshing! Simply not to be believed! David was super; congenial, cooperative and downright talented. I can’t begin to thank you for allowing us to showcase David Russell”
-ABC-TV Leisure Attractions, NYC
“ We had a huge number of listener response calls to the station during the club simulcast of his show in Buckhead… would you please send us some of David’s recordings for our shows?”
-WREK-FM Atlanta,GA
“ …Shows weave songs with powerful lyrics, which are complemented in the beauty of Russell’s guitar work. A classically trained guitarist, he offers a smorgasbord of styles including flatpicking, steel slide, jazz, Travis picking, Delta blues, folk, Celtic and country ……What you won’t hear are staples of many lounge acts…what you will hear is cutting edge writing.. and being a part of that audience is worth the drive…”
-Jacksonville Times-Union (FL)
"David provided EXCELLENT performances at the festival! I heard nothing but rave reviews and praise from fellow musicians and general public audience members alike..."
-Gamble Rogers Festival 2009
Future Show Dates
July
July 16: The Blue Bayou Club, Hillsborough, NC 9PM July 18: Clay Street Mebane, NC 9:30 PM July 20-26: CedarBlue Studios
August
August 1: Private Event w/ Charles Pettee August 5-6: Galax Fiddlers Festival Galax, VA August 15: Clay Street Mebane, NC 9:30 PM
September
September 17: European Street Cafe Jacksonville,FL September 18: Milltop Listening Room, St. Augustine,FL September 19: Milltop Llistening Room, St. Augustine, FL September 28- Oct.3: International Bluegrass Music Assn Showcases, Nashville, TN
October
October 15-18: SE Region Folk Alliance Showcases, Mtn.View Arkansas