Dann Russo

Artist Information

Biography

Dann Russo is a little alt, a little classic, a smidge country and all rock. He’s a singer-songwriter with radio-ready original songs and a live show so electric, you’ll be amazed it’s just acoustic. A "soon to be phenomenon" (NorthEast In-Tune Magazine), Dann is a lively act that’s hard to follow.

Ok - that's the official blurb. I love playing music, specifically my music, and I like playing it different ways for different people.

As the inspiration for the rockstar heartthrob "Theo Christmas" in the Penguin-Putnam YA release MODELS DON’T EAT CHOCOLATE COOKIES by Erin Dionne, my music is available on the author’s website www.erindionne.com

This in turn inspired me to release my first full-band EP "Presents" in 2009.

For the last three years I've been playing streaming live shows through the virtual world of Second Life (listed at Pacific Coast Time). I set up my guitar and mic, plug it into the computer and rock out every Sunday morning (and some evenings during the week as well). It's better than coffee at waking me up. click here to get the link to listen in: http://www.facebook.com/dannrussomusic

Some of the people I have met while playing in SL have been inspirational (one did the cover for "Presents") and last year (& this year, with their encouragement) I took part in the RPM challenge - writing an entire album in the month of February (the 2009 album was released as "Paradiso Lluvioso").

"Don't Say That" by Dann Russo (that's me!) was recognized by Gary Allen (BMI (Charlie Daniels Band/JJ Cale) The Music City Beat/Editor in Chief) as a "Very Honorable Mention" in the May-August '09 "Best Song in the World" competition. "Parking Lot Kings" and "Her Majesty Cry" were also honored in the Winter 2009/2010 competition!

I am presenting at the Classical Association of New England's 2010 conference with a workshop entitled "'Her Majesty Cry': A Workshop and Performance of Myth and History through Music"

I guess I draw from so many different backgrounds and styles that I play what I like to play and what I like to listen to. My goal this year is to play more, write more, record more and release more.

Instrumentation

Dann Russo = vocals, guitar

(then there is a varied and sundry group of sidemen that can be seen accompanying me in one permutation or another including violin, piano, drums, etc...)

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Discography

**Dann Russo (the "red ep") EP (2004) - available at shows or www.cdbaby.com/cd/dannrusso and on iTunes "No Pain" and "Bitterisweet Love" are currently receiving airplay on internet and college radio.

**WSVN Radio Hall of Fame compilation CD (track 14 - Bittersweet Love) (2004)

**Live at the C Note CD (2004) available on iTunes

**Live at the Middle East CD (3/20/05) "Year" is receiving airplay on internet and college radio stations around the USA.

**Musselman Triathalon Compilation CD (track 15 - No Pain) (2005)

**Live @ The Sad Cafe (2005) available at shows. "Ruby Red Hair" is currently receiving airplay on internet radio stations around the USA and New Zealand.

**Artist of the Month (Dec 2007) on FUZE.FM (http://fuze.fm/PHP-Nuke/index.php)

**i'm more of a Numbers guy (3/08) now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dannrusso3 and on iTunes

**"Dreaming Without You" and "Ruby Red Hair" streaming on http://www.erindionne.com (website for "Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies" by Erin Dionne)

**music now streaming on http://www.indiespectrum.com

**on MVYRadio's local music cafe playlist http://www.mvyradio.com/local_musicafe/

**"Paradiso Lluvioso" (2009) now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dannrusso4 and on iTunes

**"Presents" (2009) now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dannrusso5 and on iTunes

**"Her Majesty Cry" (2011) single now available on iTunes and full CD due out in May

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Ash Wednesday VIDEO
• Stormy As The Sea VIDEO (sorry for the commercial)
• Waiting For The Dawn VIDEO
• "Dear Prudence" live at the Eggroll, Lowell, MA
• Models video preview - featuring Dann's song!

Audio

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Troy Gun - Montgomerygunproductions (April 2008) [+ Show ]
  

  a lot of soul very talented great melodies good stories great execution lots of energy...u have al...a lot of soul very talented great
  melodies good stories great execution lots of energy...u have all the essential elements to be great artist...your music was great I gave you 4 stars out of 5

• Random Quotes from Second Life (Feb-Aug 2007) [+ Show ]
  

  Dann (Russo) Numbers claims to be shy at first but can warm an audience up with his first note. Bles...Dann (Russo) Numbers claims to be shy at first but can warm an audience up with his first note. Blessed with an amazing musical ability and a quick wit...Great show, great crowd, great music, great times...Dann Numbers has the largest live music following in SL. Every show is a must see...You never know what Dann will pull out of his hat...Dann's high energy rock style and incredible vocals will blow all the sleep sand out of your eyes and get in just the right mood...some of the best guitar I have heard in SL and off...Dann will absolutely thrill you with the music he plays. His high energy is contagious and will have you dancing before you know it...Dann a une energie incroyable. Il a aimé jouer ici, ca s'est senti pour notre bonheur...

• Music and Whisky (May 2006) [+ Show ]
  

  this ‘whisky’ is a very good one, authentic and natural (that is to say acoustic), powerful (that is...this ‘whisky’ is a very good one, authentic and natural (that is to say acoustic), powerful (that is to say full of passion and energy) and also complex (catchy yet intelligent, folksy yet modern, melodic yet profound…) That was more than enough to make us decide to interview the talented singer – songwriter…check out the rest of the interview at http://www.whiskyfun.com

• Staying Tuned - Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger (Jan. 2006) [+ Show ]
  

  Brooklyn-born Bostonian Dann Russo had the advantage of Christian Kolarz's amplified violin as a col...Brooklyn-born Bostonian Dann Russo had the advantage of Christian Kolarz's amplified violin as a colorful foil to his exuberant strumming. A natural, good-natured performer, Russo played to the crowd a bit in a T-shirt emblazoned "Jersey." ...[h]is songs rose above John Mellencamp/Dave Matthews clichés to achieve something emotive, such as with "Fantasy," which he sang with rock'n'roll abandon.
  http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1137649921316870.xml&coll=1

• NorthEast In-Tune Magazine (Dec. 2005) [+ Show ]
  

  One of the greatest attributes about Dann Russo is that he comes through on live performances which ...One of the greatest attributes about Dann Russo is that he comes through on live performances which is not something all artists can do, even the veterans that have been around for more than a decade.
  
  With a voice that captivates, this Brooklyn born artist takes his musical influences from all genres including hip-hop and lyrical folk. Very passionate about his lyrics and a poet in his own right, Dann Russo’s music captures the attention of audiences with its deep rooted harmonious flow and heartfelt tenacity.
  
  For those of you who are partial to acoustic bands, their songs delight with everything from a little Latin flavor to a folksy shindig.
  
  “Café en San Juan ” is sure to be a favorite with its mix of classical and folk. It is such a beautiful song, you could get lost in it. The mixture of the guitar and the violin gives it a flamenco sound, making for an amazing melodic explosion from these guys. The music is very reminiscent of Carmen’s Habanera.
  "Bittersweet Love” showcases Dann’s Lindsay Buckingham style guitar playing.
  And “Year” is an astonishing piece. The violin in the background is breathtaking.
  In “No Pain” there is just Dann and his guitar. A perfect match for this gut wrenching song about that special someone who makes everything better.
  
  With a sound that is all their own, this funky combination is a great pleasure listening to. The variety of songs that have been created by this band and soon to be phenomenon will always stand out from the rest.

• Hearings (Metronome Magazine) (Oct. 2005) [+ Show ]
  

  ...brimming with uplifting emotion, his guitar playing is fiery and statically charged while he main......brimming with uplifting emotion, his guitar playing is fiery and statically charged while he maintains a fine range of vocal work throughout. If you were to enter a room where Russo was performing, he would surely gain your attention with his fiercely powerful delivery.
  Russo also displays his capable songwriting prowess. Taking cues from a young, hungry Bob Dylan during his days in the Village, Dann Russo is a promising singer-songwriter that exhibits what it takes to make it big in the world of music. Good stuff!

• CatsAsk Music and Entertainment (Feb. 2005) [+ Show ]
  

  Dann Russo Truth and honesty tell the tale of this crooners songwriting skillset. I was "there" as ...Dann Russo
  Truth and honesty tell the tale of this crooners songwriting skillset. I was "there" as Dann felt the bittersweet joys and pains of love. A heart wrenching delivery of raw feeling is given on every track by this fine guitar player. Dann has given us a voice with which to explain the inexplicable. With catchy riffs, point blank lyrics and on point rhythms Mr. Russo holds us captive with stories of intense sensations and bittersweet love. Tears do stream out of this gentlemans guitar.A truly satisfying listen.
  Reviewer: Duss Rodgers
  Standout Track: Bittersweet Love
  http://www.catsask.com/reviews/feb05.htm#DannRusso

• Dann Russo @ Lemon 2/21/05 [+ Show ]
  

  By Janis Tate "Armed with one acoustic guitar and a violin, Dann Russo begins his set ... A mod...By Janis Tate
  "Armed with one acoustic guitar and a violin, Dann Russo begins his set ... A modern day Troubadour, Russo sings of love, protest, hardships and hope...poetry set to melody.
  Russo's raspy and passionate vocals ...very organic and natural "
  http://membersites.namezero.com/daynablitz.aol.com/imenewsandreviews.html
  
  
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• Album Capsules (Jan. 2005) [+ Show ]
  

  Dann Russo - 4 song EP - Boston singer/songwriter Dann Russo shows great promise with this first tas...Dann Russo - 4 song EP - Boston singer/songwriter Dann Russo shows great promise with this first taste. His excellent voice has an inflection ala Adam Duritz, but a rough soulful edge from the Mick Jagger school. Backing himself with some tasty but organic acoustic guitar strumming, Dann’s lyrics are both intelligent and honest, making you feel rather than just hear his emotions. One of the better new solo folks I have heard in a while.
  http://www.serge.org/musicmorsels0105.htm

• Soulful rock that's actually fun to listen to (Review of (The Red Album) "Dann Russo") [+ Show ]
  

  Russo shows a great talent in such a short amount of time, it's no wonder he's starting to develop a...Russo shows a great talent in such a short amount of time, it's no wonder he's starting to develop a strong following. Even without his cohorts, "The Whisky", Russo is just as effective with just his guitar, his voice and his passion. I highly reccomend this EP to anyone looking for good, honest acoustic rock, and is tired of Dave Matthews wanna-be rehashes. Bravo, Mr. Russo.

Setlist

I have written over 70 original songs (most of which I like!) ranging from straight up rock songs to soothing ballads (two in Spanish and one in Latin) and have performed sets of 20 minutes to over four hours.

Most sets consist of 90% or more originals but I have played covers by many different artists and have even played hour+ shows dedicated to Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, U2, The Beatles, and Bon Jovi respectively.

Both solo and with accompanists, I have also played special events including wedding cocktail hours, benefit dinners, and honors assembly inductions and am available for any and all of the above.

Basic Requirements

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