After all these years, Kevin Russell still keeps his ribs shiny.
Shinyribs is the continuation of Kevin Russell’s musical journey which began in Beaumont, TX when he found his father’s guitar under his bed at age 14. After moving to Shreveport Russell formed his first band, Picket Line Coyotes, that lived and died between the “Arklatexabamassippi” borders much like their unfortunate animal namesake. Russell relocated to Austin where The Gourds were born from those Coyote ashes. From that point on Russell has been riding high on the Shinyribs river of country-soul, swamp-funk and tickle.
A Shinyribs show is an exaltation of spirit. It’s a hip shaking, belly laughing, soul-singing, song-slinging, down-home house party. All styles of American music are likely to be touched on by this world class band featuring Winfield Cheek on keyboard, Keith Langford on drums, Jeff Brown on bass and the Tijuana Train Wreck Horns. Russell’s original songs are laced with magical-realism along with novel interpretations of popular songs old and new (George Jones, TLC, Leadbelly, T-Pain). Kevin Russell is Burl Ives meets Al Green, Hank, Jr. meets Teddy Pendergrass. Wendell Berry meets Chuck Berry. Along with Shinyribs, Russell presents a unique musical experience and an original expression of our colorful musical heritage.
You can catch Shinyribs on Wednesday, December 17th at the Palmer Events Center for Armadillo Christmas Bazaar or you can stream him right here at KUTX!
– Jack Anderson
