About Vickie Russell

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The Performer
Singer, songwriter, Vickie Russell delivers a powerfully expressive performance filled with rich vocals, rhythmic piano and guitar all wrapped around her slightly mischievous original songs. She has a quirky sense of humor and an extraordinary flair for songwriting that keeps her audiences enthralled.

Whether she's joined by husband David Michael Peters on guitar, bass and harmonies, or is accompanied by a full band, Vickie Russell is winning the hearts of audiences around the world performing throughout the US, Europe, Japan and in her native New York hotspots. A favorite main act at theaters, clubs, concerts halls and festivals, Russell has also opened for such musical artists as, 10,000 Maniacs, Donovan, Rick Danko, Leon Russell, Richie Havens, Tuck and Patti, Cris Williamson and Chris Smithers. Her performances have been featured at conferences as well, opening for New Age speakers, Marianne Williamson and Bernie Siegel.

The News
Making her home in New Paltz, NY, Russell has become somewhat of a media celebrity. The Poughkeepsie Journal invited Vickie to write a Blog about each American Idol episode during the 2008 season. "Notes on an Idol" offered readers an opportunity to respond to Vickie's comments on the winners, the losers and the show each week. Mix 97.7 fm carried Russell's live comments weekly, as she discussed Tuesday night's Idol.

The Background
Russell cut her own professional performing teeth in the New Orleans, Bourbon Street, club scene while there studying film, music and psychology. Completing her Psychology degree in Early Childhood at the University of Florida, Russell built a following in the clubs around Gainesville. But, it was the New York City music scene that called Russell north where she continued studying jazz dance, acting, music theory, voice and piano, while performing and dabbling in theater, film and in the recording studio to become the well rounded performer she is today.

The Songwriter
Perhaps it was her quest to understand the human spirit or her background in psychology; or perhaps it was the influence of such great writers as Elton John, Sting, James Taylor or Carol King; or perhaps it was the musicality of Bach and Chopin, Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt that shaped Vickie Russell's songwriting. Her lyrics move you through life's journeys; the heartfelt challenges and joyous tears of laughter, surprising you with each twist in the storyline.

The Recording Artist
Russell has three CDs to her credit, "As Written," "Welcome Home," and "Next." Each has garnered critical acclaim, citing her powerful vocals and clever songwriting as Russell trademarks.

"Don't be fooled by the smiling, innocuous face on the cover; there's a wicked wit hiding beneath the pop country flavors and Adult Contemporary hooks on Next." – Brooke Curtis, Twang Town Reviewed

"The heart of "Next" is her gorgeous voice, as she telegraphs knowing insights to modern life and love…All around musical comfort food, Russell scores big with this one." – David Malachowski, Kingston Daily Freeman

"Her latest release called "Next"™ is a brilliant testament that Vickie has flourished into a major force in music." – Fred Migliore, FM Odyssey

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The Vocal Coach
Vickie Russell has had years of formal training in voice, theater, movement and piano and her vocal quality and power is always commented upon by reviewers. It's no wonder that she has a steady clientele of voice students of all ages and in all phases of performance experience from beginner to professional.

Vickie also teaches piano, guitar, theory, songwriting and performance techniques.