A mélange of musical styles and vibes, from jazzy desperate tones to the bluesy commentary to the heartfelt bad-timing folky love songs.

11 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Folk Rock, ROCK: Classic Rock

Show all album songs: If Red Was Green Songs


Details:
The RUSSELL LEON BAND announces the release of their debut album IF RED WAS GREEN, which was recorded at The Rogue Studios in Toronto and produced by Geoffrey McPeek (formerly of Daddys of Eden and Brule Sound Pharmacy).


Russell and Geoffrey narrowed a substantial catalogue of diverse songs down to eleven gems that truly represent the broader scope of Russellâs work to date. Opening with âI Want Your Love,â the band sets up a jazzy feel that melds into the blues-funk fusion of âLoopy.â âFridayâ is a straight up rocker, and âThe Beginning of the Endâ is a heart-felt folk ballad. âCubaâ is liberally spiced with Latin vibes, and âThe Wildâ an environmentally conscious song, draws on reggae. âTroubadourâ a fantasy ballad, is the winner of the 2007 OCFF Songs of the Heart Award for best childrenâs song.

The Russell Leon Band has opened for Leon Russell, Ike Turner and Corb Lund, to name a few. Backing their energetic frontman are core band members Larry Klein (drums), Ansgar Schroer (harmonicas, percussion), Keith Reid (saxophone), Brian Elkin (trumpet), and Markus Walker (bass). As well as maintaining a busy performance schedule, Russell also produces and hosts Songwriters Unite!, a collective of more than 400 singer/songwriters across North America.

Russell spent his early years traveling across Canada and the USA. When he was six he and his mother settled on a commune in the Ottawa Valley where they lived without electricity or running water. âIt gave me a real appreciation for the arts,â explains Russell. âI had no TV or electricity so spending time with my guitar and friends made me a musician.â

Russell moved to Toronto in order to study music at York University. Intensive studies, busking on the streets, playing in clubs, immersed him in the cityâs cultural diversity expanding his musical landscape and inspiring him as a songwriter. In 2000 Russell released a self-titled six-song EP.

Getting people involved with his music is key for Russell. âWhen you play live and connect with a person who says, âI had that experience in âThe Beginning Of The End.â I fell in love with this girl and she didnât love me.â When you connect with people that wayâ, explains Russell, âitâs hugely rewarding.â Making an impact lyrically and getting people on their feet in a live setting is no easy task, the Russell Leon Band accomplishes exactly that.