The Tom Russell Band
Raw Vision
Philo

Tom Russell is a modern-day musical Mark Twain. His songs are short stories about unemployed steel workers, parking attendants and parolees. One of his finest and best-known songs, "Gallo del Cielo," is the folk tale of a fighting rooster and his owner. That song and 14 other tunes are assembled on Raw Vision, a collection of some of Russell's best work from 1984 to 1994. The set also features the gems "Navajo Rug," and "Veteran's Day."

His songs have been sung by Johnny Cash, Dave Alvin and Joe Ely, all singers with a feel for Americana music. Russell, however, sings them as well as anyone, delivering the tunes in a plain, straightforward manner. Russell is a storyteller, and every word is sung to be heard. Raw Vision includes three previously unreleased tracks - "Oil Field Girls," "Hong Kong Boy," and "Denver Wind." The CD is a must for Russell fans and a good introduction for those unfamiliar with his music. -- D. Kimura