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Carry It Up

by Woody Russell

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Victory 05:17
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Carry It Up 06:24
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Empty Man 05:46
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about

GUTSY POP-JAZZ AND SOUL (2016)
Woody Russell has always been a genre-blurring artist and the release of Carry It Up is no exception to that rule. As a poet and a storyteller he digs deep in to intimate, everyday narratives while remaining equally comfortable addressing the complexities of a broader social consciousness. An amalgam of jazz and classic R&B buzzes at the core of Carry It Up, shaded by a hint of rock and soul. His sophisticated compositions are supported by lyrics that mine the heart of the spiritual, the romantic and the soul-searcher as they orbit around themes of love, compassion, respect and the pursuit of each of the aforementioned.

Russell has also, for the first time, recorded a cover song; a sincere acoustic take of Marvin Gaye’s chestnut “What’s Going On” that focuses on the poignant message of a timeless lyric. It features the tenor sax of, Dez Desormeaux, and is right at home amid the rest of this original work. The end result with Carry It Up is a lush recording that is positively brimming with superb song craft, gutsy soul-jazz, created by a master tune-smith and his world class band.

REVIEWS:
Jazz Quarterly
If you’re looking for the kind of music and artistry that won’t let up, even after being shifted by the constant bombardment of today’s unrelenting flurry of continuous releases, then pack your bags and follow me. Woody Russell is the consummate singer/songwriter, and one of the most believable lyricists and storytellers I’ve heard in quite some time. With a showcase of high-end signature pieces, Russell’s latest endeavor, Carry It Up, packs a wallop of pop-infused jazz, soul and rock flavorings that will send you on an unforgettable expedition through fascinating hues of ingenious songwriting and immaculate production – track after track after track. I personally find it absolutely astonishing that a team of such aptitude hasn’t flooded the charts the way this music has totally invaded and persuaded my spirit. But, trust me, that’s all about to change. In short, ladies and gentlemen, and to put it bluntly, Woody is “Best of Class”; hands down.

RootsTime
[Russell's] work has sometimes been compared to that of artists like Sting, Gregory Porter and Van Morrison, and we can certainly find [that] in there. For example, Last Time, Savannah would not be out of place in the more jazzy repertoire of Gregory Porter. We also have some favorite songs on this record. A Place In Line, The Heart Is Still King, the cleverly arranged Let's Be Done and Victory, the playful, jazzy Empty Man and, of course, What's Going On.

SoulandJazzandFunk.com
"Woody Russell is a singer/songwriter who works out of Austin, Texas and since his debut (1996's 'As Simple As That') he's won a coterie of dedicated admirers. Woody's trio (he plays guitar alongside Lloyd Wright on keys and Jose Ruiz on harmonica) work throughout the USA and Canada in all kinds of different venues simply because it's impossible to categorize his sound. He says his prime influence is Van Morrison, but listen in and you'll hear shades of Tony Joe White, Michael McDonald, and Paul Carrack... even the new young pretender Mayer Hawthorne. Yep, there's a blue-eyed soul undertow to Woody's work. Listen to it at its best on his new album, 'Carry It Up'. The 12 tracker is bristling with blue-eyed soul grooves while lyrically the long player offers insight into relationships as well as addressing broader social issues ... as on the album's title cut. The song 'Carry It Up' is a kind of 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' for the 21st century and its latent quality is enhanced by some haunting harmonica from band member Jose Ruiz. Indeed, throughout the set, Ruiz's harmonica is a delight. All the tunes on the album are Russell originals, save for a version of Marvin Gaye's 'What'sGoing On'. Remarkable given, Woody Russell's CV, this is the first cover he's recorded. Easy to hear why. The Gaye anthem fits right into the overall caring message of 'Carry It Up' and wisely Woody doesn't try to replicate the original. Sure, it starts with that classic sax break (courtesy of Dez Desormeaux), but essentially this 'What's Going On' is an acoustic version and Woody's articulation is slow, precise and deliberate underlining the important message in the music."

credits

released March 25, 2016

CUT Music Group | 0316-6
Produced by Woody Russell
Recorded at Same Sky Productions and Green Shoe Studio | Austin, TX
Engineered by Andre Cantave, David Messier and Woody Russell
Mixed by Woody Russell
Mastered by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering | Seattle, WA

Woody Russell: vocals, guitars, keys, percussion, tin whistle, programming
Lloyd Wright: Rhodes, Wurlitzer, B3 organ, Piano, synth
Derrick Hicks: piano
Brady Muckelroy: bass
Tony Miller: drums
Jose Ruiz: harmonicas
Dez Desormeaux: saxophone
Jacqui Walker: bg vocals

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Woody Russell Austin, Texas

A guitar-centric alchemist offering a potent mix of swagger, swing & heart. A vivid lyricist possessing an agile baritone saturated with emotive grit. Songcraft distilled from the warmth of vinyl album era singer-songwriters & blue-jazz, artfully mining elements of dreamy post-punk. Add then a masterful guitarist - one whom Blues Revue aligned with the "fearlessness" of guitar legend, Jeff Beck. ... more

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