Shawna Russell is proud to release her self-titled sophomore album on Way Out West Records. Recorded in Nashville and Oklahoma City, and co-produced by Julian King (Grammy-winning engineer for Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith), along with Clif Doyal & Tim Russell, the album reflects Shawna’s growth as an artist and a maturity of her song crafting skills. Shawna wrote - or co-wrote - the 10 songs on the project and they provide the listener with a deeper personal connection to her varied influences and artistic expression. From the guitar-driven Country Rock sounds that are her trademark, to Southern-influenced Country R&B, and mandolin-tinged Americana, ‘SHAWNA RUSSELL’ presents the Oklahoma songbird at a new creative pinnacle. The album features legendary and stellar musicians, including drummers Russ Kunkel (Carly Simon, James Taylor), Shannon Forrest (2010 ACM “Top Percussionist/Drummer”) and Billy Thomas (Vince Gill); bassists David Santos (Elton John, John Fogerty) and Mike Brignardello (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sugarland); mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitarist, Bryan Sutton (2000-2006 IBMA “Guitar Player of the Year”); electric, slide and acoustic guitarist, Jon Conley (LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna); along with keyboardists Charles Judge (Bon Jovi, Rascal Flatts) and Jim “Moose” Brown (Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker). What the Tastemakers are saying: Shawna Russell CD Review by Chuck Dauphin, Music News Nashville A few years ago, Shawna Russell turned many heads in the industry with her debut album. A mixture of Country tinged with 70s California Pop influences, songs like “Goddess” and “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” helped to establish her as a rising talent at Country Radio. For her follow-up, there’s a definite shift in musical style, as the Country sound is expanded upon greatly. Tracks like “Sounds Like A Party” even hearken back to the 80s Nashville sound a little, as it sounds very much like something the Judds would have cut. Other songs with a slice of sass include the attitude-laden “Get Right Or Get Left,” which could very easily find a home on the airwaves. As good as these two are, what really displays Russell’s growth as an artist is how she handles the ballads. Whether on the laid-back “Waitin’ On Sunrise,” the beautiful “Was It Good For You,” or the stunning story song “Jeremiah,” her voice handles the more emotional moments on this disc in a warm and emotional manner. Throw in such radio-friendly fare as “Carry Me Away,” and I see no reason why this disc won’t expand on the groundwork that she has laid so far career-wise, and make her a few more fans in the process! A star on the rise. ~ ~ ~ Shawna Russell CD Review by Matt Bjorke, Roughstock ****4 stars The first thing that’s evident on listening to Oklahoma native Shawna Russell’s sophomore album, it is how much she has grown as an artist from Goddess to Shawna Russell. The three years of touring have contributed to a more wholly-realized artist who is now truly ready to compete with the big label stars. Shawna’s voice has always been a wonderful instrument but it feels even more rich and texturized here than on previous efforts. On songs like “Get Right Or Get Left” there’s a hint of the vocal swagger of LeAnn Rimes while “Was It Good For You” recalls Kellie Pickler with a dash of Martina McBride’s vocal power in the chorus. “Rumor” has a smoky, Bonnie Raitt meets Faith Hill vibe, while on the song “Jeremiah,” the melody and vocals mix together to showcase that newfound powerhouse vocal - and what’s even more interesting is how Shawna Russell’s songwriting has improved as much as her performance skill has. This interesting story song with mandolin fills and moody b-3 suits her well. A couple of songs have been remixed from Goddess and like everything else about Shawna Russell, the songs are better here than they were on the first record. Working with noted Nashville engineer/producer Julian King (along with Clif Doyal and Tim Russell) has worked wonders for Shawna Russell. With a little luck and help from radio stations, we may have the birth of another star. Either way, radio star or not, Shawna Russell and her self-titled sophomore album point to a very bright future as a recording artist with the complete package. ~ ~ ~ Shawna first came on to the national and international music scene with the release of her debut album, GODDESS (Way Out West Records), in 2008, for which she co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs. Critical acclaim followed: the CMA named her “Who New to Watch,” and top music critics weighed in with praise for her debut. Chris Neal of COUNTRY WEEKLY gave GODDESS a 3 ½ star review, MUSIC ROW’s Robert K.Oermann bestowed a “DISCovery Award,” his highest compliment to a new artist, and rave reviews followed from CMA CLOSE UP, MAVERICK (UK), NASHVILLE MUSIC GUIDE, DREAMWEST (France), THE OKLAHOMAN, MUSIC NEWS NASHVILLE, COUNTRY STARS ONLINE and others. Three radio singles, "Goddess," "Should've Been Born With Wheels" and "Fire In The Desert" cemented her status as a contender, with action on the Billboard "New and Active,' Music Row and Texas Music Charts. Shawna toured radio stations across the country where her talent won coveted performance and interviews for her on KBEQ-Kansas City’s highly-rated morning show with Mike Kennedy; Atlanta’s powerhouse WUBL; and on Washington DC’s “Voice of America” – which broadcasts to an international audience. Shawna's debut video "Should've Been Born With Wheels" reached the #1 position on the “Ya’llturnative” chart at Ya’ll Wire.com and stayed there for over a month and also attracted fans at CMT.com, AFN, GAC.com (debuted at #3 as a “Top Pick”) and on Pulse Network Television (“Top 20 Country Chart” for 3 months). Leading up to her well-received debut album was an incredible amount of hard work and years of perseverance. Shawna first sang in public at age 7. At 13, she and her dad, Keith, formed a country band that played for clubs and Elks Lodges on weekends. At 17, she joined her Uncle Tim’s band, which was already a successful regional band on the “A” club circuit across the Southwest. She honed her remarkable vocal chops and added acoustic rhythm, electric slide, and lead guitar to her arsenal while touring across much of the U.S., performing 2-6 nights a week at many of America’s top live music clubs, including The Grizzly Rose; Billy Bob’s; and the Wildhorse Saloon. She spent three years fronting and playing guitar in fellow Oklahoman, Ty England’s band, which included a USO Tour of Korea in 2005. Shawna has recently released her latest US single and video, “Get Right Or Get Left.” She currently performs a busy schedule of casino, club and concert dates. With her admirable resume - and even more extraordinary musical and vocal talents - coupled with her Southern charm and natural beauty, she is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Retro and rockin’- to country and contemplative, Shawna Russell stakes her claim with star power that will not be denied.