Calliope Center Stage: Tom Russell

"Tom Russell is Johnny Cash, Jim Harrison and Charles Bukowski rolled into one. I feel a great affinity with Tom Russell's songs, for he is writing out of the wounded heart of America." -Lawrence Ferlinghetti (co-founder of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers)

Tom Russell has recorded 25 records and two DVDs and his song "Who's Gonna Build Your Wall?" was Folk Alliance Song of the Year in 2008. . His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Nancy Griffith, Joe Ely, Iris Dement, Ian Tyson, KD Lang, Suzy Bogguss, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Jeff Walker, Dave Van Ronk and other great artists. Tom Russell has appeared on the David Letterman TV show five times in the last few years and is credited, along with Dave Alvin, of inventing the Americana radio format with their Merle Haggard tribute 'Tulare Dust' in 1994.

Russell`s latest release Blood and Candle Smoke is a collection of powerful observations and deliberations that has the media and fellow musicians buzzing. USA Today calls the album "stunning", while the San Francisco Chronicle proclaims it "about as perfect as it gets." Robert Hunter, Greatful Dead Lyricist and co-writer of Bob Dylan`s 2009 album Together Through Life states that Blood and Candle Smoke is an "excellent record in all respects. Lyrics are jewels, arrangements deeply tasteful, vocals superb." Maverick UK gives the album 5 stars out of 5. "Russell raises his songwriting to new and different heights of greatness...Album of the Year (so far) hands down. Very possibly Album of the Decade!"

This show is ALL AGES and is held at Calliope's newly renovated space at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The space features a welcoming, club-like atmosphere and quality acoustic treatments. Soda, wine and beer will be available for purchase.