The much loved soul and blues singer-songwriter Alice Russell releases her fifth solo album, ‘To Dust’ her first solo album since 2008’s acclaimed ‘Pot Of Gold’
(courtesy of Tru Thoughts) Alice Russell is natural, pure natural talent, a natural presence, a force of nature. Whether on a big stage with her 16 piece band, charming a crowd of 4000 into staying out dancing in the rain (as she did at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking out an intimate club set with a stripped down 6 piece band, she’s a singer who demands attention. Unfazed by taking to the spotlight after a sober Amy Winehouse or joining Roy Ayers live for ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, there’s no wonder her powerful soul voice has attracted rave reviews from numerous national and international publications and praise from fans as diverse as Gilles Peterson, David Byrne, Dennis Coffey, Massive Attack’s Daddy G, and Groove Armada.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtcQHtgfXKg]‘To Dust’ is the first solo album from Alice Russell since 2008’s acclaimed ‘Pot Of Gold’, marking the next step forward in a remarkable career which has seen this down-to-earth, diminutive Brit universally acknowledged as one of the best soul voices of our time. Whether on a huge stage with a 16 piece band, charming a 4000 revellers into staying out dancing in the rain (as at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking an intimate club, Alice’s raw talent and charisma command attention and affection. Unfazed by taking the spotlight, singing with The Roots in Philly, or joining Roy Ayers for ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, it is no wonder she has attracted worldwide media support, and fans as diverse as Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, Dennis Coffey, Massive Attack’s Daddy G and Groove Armada.
Highly in demand as a vocalist, Alice has recently guested on Talking Heads leader David Byrne’s solo LP, to add to collaborations with Mr Scruff, Quantic, DJ Yoda and Nostalgia 77. But it’s her solo records with longtime musical partner TM Juke that she is best known for, and they have borne some of the most arresting blues soul since the glory days of Aretha. “We’ve both got a very open approach to writing songs,” Alice explains of the prolific relationship, “Our influences run from Sarah Vaughan to Bach, Kate Bush to Arvo Part, and J Dilla to Alice Coltrane. We love everything from dirty, squelchy dubstep to old school soul. We nudge each other in the right directions.”
‘To Dust’ sees Alice exploring every letter of the soul lexicon and beyond to create her own dynamic sound; from the punchy, Prince-esque strut of “Hard And Strong” to the epic intensity of the title track, which could easily be the next Bond theme. Through the heartstring tugging “I Loved You”; the sonically smooth yet emotionally raw “Twin Peaks”; to the pulse-quickening build of “Let Go (Breakdown)” and psychedelic social consciousness of “Citizens”, Alice Russell is never less than scintillating as she displays emotions so real you feel you could reach out and touch them, and a voice of unparalleled versatility. The idiosyncratic structure of the record, peppered with interludes and reprises, makes for a unique listen and a satisfyingly whole ‘album’ experience.
Tru Thoughts have signed ‘To Dust’ for territories including the UK, Americas, Australasia and Japan; reuniting Alice Russell with the label that introduced her to the world, where she released her first three albums, as well as myriad collaborations (including the BBC 6Music Playlisted “Look Around The Corner” single and LP with Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro earlier in 2012). A short, sold-out upfront tour in Nov/Dec saw Alice and her incredibly entertaining band premiering the new material. A full ‘To Dust’ tour will follow in April 2013 – dates TBA soon.
The first single, “Heartbreaker”, is out now, highlighting the crisp, cutting edge production and eclectic influences which nestle alongside a love of vintage soul and gospel at the core of Alice Russell’s style, a sound honed with co-writer/producer TM Juke. Showcasing Alice at the top of her craft – and with a video starring Harry Shearer (The Simpsons/Spinal Tap) which has had 50,000+ views – it has gained BBC 6Music and Radio 2 play and tastemaker love from The Fader, Rankin’s Hunger TV, Okayplayer, NTS, KCRW and more. Recent radio features include a BBC 6Music Lunchtime interview and sessions on Loose Ends (BBC R4) and Monocle 24, with more features upcoming including Jamie Cullum (BBC R2), Craig Charles (6Music Live Week) and Huey Morgan (6Music).
Grab it from iTunes, Amazon, Juno or direct from Tru Thoughts
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Free Music from Alice Russell
Twin Peaks (single) – Out Now!
Classic Track – Sweet Calling feat. Alice Russell
- One of Quantic and Alice Russell’s first ever collaborations, and a sign of many great things to come…
Alice Russell
“Got the Hunger?” (mp3)
from “Pot of Gold”
(Climate)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
Connect With Alice Russell
