Where The Roses Never Fade -Gail Russell 2009-06-12 After the success of her debut album ‘ I’m Just A Country Girl At Heart’ Gail was soon being noticed by American Country Song Writers who Had listened to some of her songs on her first album and then approached her if she would like to record some of their songs . Those writers being Glen Erickson of Spiral Bridge Publishing California, and Ed Gowens Of Echota Records Georgia. Gail liked their songs and decided that she would love to include some of their songs along with a few of her own original songs on this album . The Title ‘Where The Roses Never Fade’ came from an old song that she Had sung often and really loved and she did not hesitate when it came to decide what the album was to be called . This Album is dedicated to the memory of her mother Norrie Shepherd Who passed away in August of last year and one of her original songs on the album called ‘The Little Green Vase’ is a special song that has much meaning for Gail as it is her ‘Christmas Story’ and tells the story of when she was only four years of age, she earned two shillings and sixpence and went to the local store on Christmas Eve with her father and brought a little green vase . She wrapped it in Christmas paper and gave it to her family saying that they all had to share it as she had spent all her money . Her Mother treasured that green vase up to her death and for many years used it in her bible talks at her local Baptist Church about the joy of sharing . Gail today now has the little green vase in her possession and say that it is her most treasured ornament . Another one of her songs ‘Give Your Heart to Jesus’ has won her two country song writing awards .It was written after a close friend lost her husband and Gail was trying to help her with her grieving . The backing on this track was beautifully arranged by Keith Austin of Lionheart Studios Wellington . ‘Angels Beckon ,Me’ was written by Wendy Mitchell a good friend who has helped Gail to get heard all around the world and Gail wrote the music for her . This song is dedicated to the memory of Sue MacClaren of Australia who was a great Radio DJ and also helped Gail get heard on Country Radio stations . Sadly Sue passed away in January of 2009 . Gail enjoyed recording the songs of Glen Erickson and Ed Gowens and could possibly record more of their songs in the future . Gail is presently featuring well on World Indie Charts and is getting a good deal of airplay in her own country of New Zealand and around the world . Three of the songs on the album were manufactured by Gary Farmer of www.countrysongcrafters.com and Gail says she was so happy when she heard the tracks as it is so hard to get good Steele guitar players in New Zealand and having Mike Headrick play on some of her tracks made her feel really proud of the songs . Gail continues to work part time as an Occupational Therapist for the mentally ill at a local Psychiatric Hospital and in her spare time away from work you will see her appearing on country shows around New Zealand and at country music clubs and festivals . She also arranges shows for other country artists around the Wellington Region . Over the years she has given a lot of her time to the elderly and also to the younger generation by being their mentors . Gail continues to enjoy writing songs when time allows her to and she says that there will another album in the pipeline in the next year or two as she has no intention of slowing down . She loves to record and is hoping that one day her only Grand daughter Teidyn will follow in her footsteps . What Some People have said about this Album From Leanna Hi Gail, Your new CD ‘Where the roses never fade’ is just awesome, as you know my sister passed away three weeks ago and we played your cd as the songs on it gave us so much comfort and there is such a lovely mixture of songs there seemed to be one for each of us. Mum is 86 and finding it hard to accept losing a daughter so your song ‘She’s a mother’s sweet dream’ really gave her comfort. Another great CD ,beautiful songs and lovely voice, well done. Look forward to your next one love and hugs Leanna From Glen Erickson –Spiral Bridge Publishing –California Gail, I arrived in Maui yesterday afternoon, and found your packet in our mailbox. What a pleasant greeting upon arrival. First of all, your rendition of A BRIGHT LIGHT is absolutely beautiful. It's been done by several males, including my own, but this is the most heartfelt version of all....it needed the female touch, and you did it wonderfully. Gail, thank you for doing my song so well; can't wait to hear your new album. From Ron Moore –Editor Moore Magazine Christchurch New Zealand I am a keen follower of Celtic songwriter and Irish recording artist Isla Grant, a lady who has amazed the world with her Country Gospel songwriting and recording. I believe that this new song title from our own Gail Russell’s pen is recorded with absolute passion and conviction and competes well with such worldwide talent. The beauty of the keyboard introduces the beautiful clear diction of Gail’s voice. The orchestration adds body to the backing instrumentation. Congratulations Gail