Allison Russell

Singer-songwriter and banjo player Allison Russell is an eclectic artist whose music merges a variety of Americana strands, ranging from old school country and folk to blues, soul, and jazz, into a sound that feels seamless and organic. She then adds the finish on top with just enough pop sensibility to give her songs an easy flow that is part of the broad appeal of her music. She is a powerful singer with a somewhat smoky voice that can get jazzy and slinky with the same ease that she pushes out gospel type body and heft. Being originally from Montreal, she tends to slip in and out of French naturally. Her collaboration with the other half of her Birds of Chicago duo, JT Nero, is a very effective one that goes beyond just production and musicianship and encompasses a creative partnership, including songwriting.