Reviews

CD Review

Kevin Russell " The Essential" CD 2012

Guitar Slinger Records

KBA Award Winner

This is one really sweet and tasteful CD, combining electric and acoustic guitars . All the songs are real standouts on this CD and classy! Very pleasant to listen to. I find that the more I listen to it, the more I like it.  "Hole In My Soul" is a killer track!” Damnation Alley"” is an excellent song and Kevin's style is so tasteful throughout. “Thanks For That"” is a real surprise and Kevin nails it with such passion..
All the songs are really well executed and really well produced. Producer (Joel Russo) does an excellent job here. AAA

Bottom line: If you like orignal contemporary blues and blues rock performed by an absolutely wonderful guitar player and singer, you should like this CD. There's a lot here that is not apparent on just one listen. What is here is something that stands out amongst the crowd without hitting you over the head for attention. I would highly recommend this CD. You won't listen to it just once! …

Kevin Russell ‘The Essential” CD 2012
 Guitar SlingerRecords


"I love this record. It is not another electric guitar blues record. From the opening track the Freddie King inspired “Love Me So"” to a freddie cover "Goin' Down and the funky Russell original “You Ain't Seen Nuthin Yet”, this CD is jammed packed with plenty of great guitar work (both acoustic and electric), but the real pleasant surprise is Kevin's vocals! Kevin delivers his vocals with much conviction and deep soul.
Stripped down at times and deeply rooted in blues.
 I found this to be one of Kevin’s best works to date and he has recorded plenty of records throughout his career. Kevin doesn’t do the “elderly bluesman’” thing here. Not at all, Kevin clearly has his own style and his own voice. He captures the true essence of what a contemporary blues artist should do. Russell isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel on this record either. What he does have is a true deep meaning of soulful roots. Well, after all the guy does hail from the Motor City, right?
Highlights: “Love Me So”, "Sinful Woman" “In Your Younger Day”, “Hole In My Soul”, “Damnation Alley”

KEVIN RUSSELL
“The Eseential” CD 2012
 GUITAR SLINGER RECORDS
Kevin’s plays well-executed bluesy contemporary soulful guitar and vocals in a classic style! For the most part this is a modern sounding recording with some obvious tip of the hat to his heroes at times. Kevin nails these songs so well ! This is a very nice welcomed surprise for fans of Kevin’s fine guitar playing! I give it two thumbs up!! “The Essential” takes “cool blues rock” to another level.

 ‘The Essential” Kevin Russell
guitar slinger records 2012


Damn, you can’t imagine how surprised I was when I put “The Essential” into my CD player. The music Kevin has chosen to create on this record came straight from the heart man! This is one of those very cool records that come along every once in a while. 
 I am tired of the same blues come SRV wannbe CD's that we get over and over again here at Guitar One Magazine. Personally I pass on reviewing them!
From my first listen I was hooked. This guy has recorded tons of records (I was however most familiar with Kevin from his 707 and Whitesnake days.)
As you can gather, I am more of a classic rock fan, but this record is quite simply in the league of it's own.
Russell does take liberties here no doubt, but without ever straying from the roots. No wanking here baby!
The Bottom Line:
I think this is something you really should check out if you’re a fan of great heart felt guitar work, fine vocals and great songs!
For me, this record works best from start to finish in my player…………

Kevin Russell
“The Essential”  CD Review 2012


The Player And The Music
Kevin is a very soulful player and covers a large tonal palette with multiple layers of electric and acoustic guitars. The arrangements are often funky and features wonderful melodic blues influenced playing. Beautiful clean guitar tones are featured, and acoustic shows up where appropriate. While it is obvious that Kevin is an excellent player and singer, (he can really play solos on this recording), the arrangements are the focus here. Tasteful guitar and lot’s of melody are more prominent then endless electric blues guitar noodling.
The Songs
Anyone who enjoys fresh blues, will surely dig this record.. Younger players will probably know many of Kevin’s other recordings from his soundtrack heavy rockin guitar instrumental music.
Originally from Motown and now living on the West Coast, he keeps the grease and the class of his Motor City Roots.
There is so much great stuff here, I can’t pick highlights.
Final Thoughts
Kevin does a great job of covering any style his chooses. No matter if it’s blues, smooth jazz, classic rock, heavy guitar Kevin makes it believable and honest.