Time to Go - Premium Travel Backpack for Men & Women | Lightweight Durable Carry-On Luggage | Perfect for Airplane, Hiking, Camping & Daily Commute

Product Description 'Time To Go', Woody Russell's 2001 release, continues to explore his trademark brand of 'thinking man's Americana.' Drawing from his diverse musical background, the songs on this recording move smoothly from robust Delta slide guitar riffs and gritty vocals to somber storytelling ballads. On several tracks his one-of-a-kind 'Resolectric' guitar conjures up a wicked 'banjo-esque' sound that is rootsy and absolutely unique to this release. The entire performance from the band is stunning and well produced; with lush vocal harmonies and haunting instrumental textures throughout. Continued respect for earlier American roots music, such as the blues and narrative folk forms, is always present in Russell's songs. Some of his more obvious contemporary songwriter influences; Richard Thompson, Bruce Cockburn, Mark Knopfler and even Tom Waits are also reflected in some slight way. 'I welcome their influence on my songwriting,' says Woody. 'I can't go wrong by paying close attention to the work of artists that I consider to be absolutely masterful songwriters and musicians. My intention is to walk the tightrope of being a precision tune-smith who knows when to stop at a deliberately rough hewn gem,' states Woody. With 'Time To Go' Russell's ability to capture a scene, a character and a melody that sticks has become even more intriguing, more 'cinematic'. It's a natural progression from the subtle, folk-infused '96 debut, '...as simple as that'. Yet, much like his debut he employs no recycled, unimaginative hooks here. The stories he brings to life are equal parts melancholy and humor. The characters are both the forgotten and the victorious. The lovers and the heartbroken. He writes of a social consciousness. He explores the philosophical. Occasionally, he admits to being a helpless romantic and he always chooses to up the ante, taking a chance on creating some well penned magic. Standout tracks begin with the opening song, 'Not Lay Down And Die'. Funky, bone-slide guitar picking sets the CD in motion with a hook that resonates with the spirit of a Delta blues - I'm still here and I'm gonna testify / That I've been run ragged / But I will not lay down and die. 'Stargirl' follows with it's slick, bluesy groove and slightly estranged character portrayal, perhaps a nod to early Steely Dan. 'Been So Good To Me.com', is absolute tongue-in-cheek fun in pure WR style that takes shots at dot-com types. Through stinging Irish fiddle influenced guitar riffs the lyric states wryly that - The dot-com millionaires advise that this microbrew's great, man / This town's been so good to me / Get me the hell out of here, Honey. The title track, 'Time To Go', finds Russell and his listeners in a laid back mood, cruising down a road of departure from the past; perhaps with Van Morrison on the radio - I've got friends who are happy to stay where they've been / God bless their souls / But the lines on my face suggest that I step up the pace / So it's on with the show / It's time to go. The subtle shuffle of 'You've Got Me Wrong', candidly tells about Russell's encounter with everyone who has ever offered, or rather, insisted that their uninformed opinion be heard regarding his work. With wry humor he states - So that's your opinion / A slim chance you're right / Don't push it on me / I don't need it tonight. Reflective, at times bittersweet, even witty, this collection of songs on 'Time To Go' displays unquestionably that Woody Russell sings with sincerity about what he sees and feels in the world around him, and a future that lies just beyond the next turn in the road. About the Artist “Ethereal Americana.” Woody Russell’s songs have been labeled as such, and in all honesty, never more accurately. So what does that sound like? Well, it’s become Russell’s trademark style built on his percussive, finger-style guitar picking which sets in motion mesmerizing grooves laced with captivating lyrics and inspired melodies. The blues, traditional country, bluegrass, jazz, rock and soul find common ground in his songs. Not merely a stylistic cut and paste approach to songwriting that lacks genuine conviction, but one in which the end result is a potent distillation of diverse musical ingredients. No store bought drum loops or recycled, unimaginative hooks here. A prolific artist, Woody Russell creates a musical landscape that is deeply emotive; beautifully arranged and performed. Lyrically, the characters that he brings to life are both dark and light. The forgotten and the victorious. The lovers and the heartbroken. The melancholy and the humorous. Transcen! ding stylistic boundaries, Russell chooses to up the ante and take a chance on creating some well penned magic. In doing so, something new is born; something new like the music of Woody Russell. Growing up in Montana, Woody began playing guitar at age seven. Amidst the farmland and cattle ranches, this small college town was where he spent his formative, musically inclined youth. Working with several different bands in the late eighties and early nineties, he began to piece together what is now the current trio heard on three full length CD’s. James Burkman- bass, and Dan Frank- drums; have played together in one arrangement or another for nearly a decade. Woody Russell’s first independent release in late 1996, ‘…as simple as that’, was praised as “an outstanding debut.” A largely acoustic album, it offers insight into this artist’s portrayal of “Americana”. The 1998 follow-up, ‘A Thousand One-Eighties’, is an eclectic mix of songs exploring a wide palette of sounds and moods. Russell’s current offering entitled, “Time To Go”, is his most focused work to date. Self produced, this CD presents Woody Russell with a noticeable confidence in his style and skill as a singer, guitarist and writer. The songwriting is fluid. Memorable melodies, lyrics and hooks are plentiful. A continuing schedule of performances at clubs and festivals has kept Woody Russell busy and connected to his fans. He has also been a frequent guest on numerous regional television shows. Appearances on programs such as Puget Sounds T.V., Northwest Rock, Northwest Music Scene, and It’s A Wrap, have heightened his marketable visibility, exposing an even larger audience to the Woody Russell’s “ethereal Americana”. Other recorded works from his repertoire, have been used for radio P. S. A.’s, public television programs, synchronization for product advertisements and a ‘self-help and meditation’ book / CD package. He has been composing, recording and pitching various songs as a solo artist to the songwriting industry, and has a new batch of tunes already in demo production for his fourth independent CD release. All the hard work and persistence is paying off. Russell sees himself reaching new heights artistically, and gaining the necessary momentum to keep building on an ever gr! owing and loyal fan base. It’s a good time to be a Woody Russell fan. He is still struggling, so to speak, and that is often the most creative time in an artist’s career. It is unlikely that his intense passion to make great music will ever be diluted. Seeking to expand into broader markets and reach larger audiences is a constant goal. He considers himself a “career artist”, with his sights set on continuing success and growth as a performing songwriter. For now, Woody Russell remains one of the most gifted unknowns in the industry… but not for long.