Casey Russell, best known as the keyboardist for tour circuit mainstays The Magic Beans, has released his debut solo record, Patience, now available via Color Red. Russell takes the lead on keyboards and vocals, supported by a star-studded cast, including Shira Elias (Cool Cool Cool) and Kim Dawson on background vocals, Eric “Benny” Bloom (Lettuce) on trumpet, Nick Gerlach on tenor sax, Jeff Franca (Thievery Corporation) on drums, and Taylor Frederick on guitar. Listen to Patience HERE.
Russell began writing the album shortly after the pandemic lockdown, channeling the energy usually devoted to extensive gigging into collaborating on demos with fellow musicians confined to their studios. By late 2020, with a solid batch of demos in hand, he reached out to Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds, The Lucky Strokes) to book a session at Color Red Studios, recording eight songs in just two days. This new collection fits seamlessly alongside recent soul revival icons like The California Honeydrops, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and Leon Bridges, who have stormed the scene and airwaves with a modern take on soul and R&B. Using Color Red’s trusty Tascam-388, Russell achieved a vintage analog sound that honors classic sensibilities, breezy vocal harmonies, and a locked-in rhythm section. The record was mixed and mastered by Josh Fairman of Laskin Productions, who dedicated countless hours to refining Russell’s signature soul sound.
Patience is a love letter to old-school soul and R&B music, says Russell. "From the songwriting to the recording methods, I wanted to take a step back in time to my favorite sounds of the '60s and '70s, with a bit of modern flair mixed in. It has a funky, retro-soul feel, complete with an eight-piece band recording through analog equipment."
The studio recording features contributions from Dan Africano (Thievery Corporation), Jeff Franca (Thievery Corporation), Taylor Fredrick, Lyle Divinsky, Nick Gerlach, Eric “Benny” Bloom (Lettuce), Parris Flemming (Harry Styles, The Parrisian), Alex Cazet (Mama Magnolia), Shira Elias (Cool Cool Cool), and Kim Dawson throughout.
The album opens with the title track, "Patience," the first song Russell wrote for the album, setting the foundation for the record. With a groove reminiscent of the Young-Holt Unlimited classic "Soulful Strut," a track the band and production team referenced in the studio, "Patience" blossomed with an unforgettable chorus and stellar background vocals from Elias and Dawson. The extra downtime during the lockdown allowed Russell to craft each element with care, making "Patience" reflect more than just a title.
In "Hit the Ground Running," Russell draws inspiration from soul greats like Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and Sam & Dave, aiming for a multi-harmony chorus with immediate impact. “I knew I wanted a call-and-response vibe, so I sent the demo to my vocal guru, Lyle Divinsky,” he explains. “He sent back 16 vocal tracks of pure gold, and we wrapped up the lyrics that week. Parris Fleming added a fantastic horn arrangement, bringing the song to life. Put it on repeat!”
“Let’s Get It” is an assertive anthem showcasing the album’s upbeat side, influenced by legends like Prince, Morris Day & The Time, and Allen Toussaint. Each musician shines with punchy horn lines, powerful harmonies, and a dynamic instrumental breakdown featuring Russell’s synthesizers blending seamlessly with Gerlach and Bloom on horns. “Let’s Get It is an ode to putting it all on the line,” says Russell. “After writing a few heartache tunes, I wanted something that showed another side. This song features my favorite instrumental section on the record, with Jeff Franca and Dan Africano locking in perfectly in the studio.”
Patience also includes two standout covers that Russell has made his own. "Backstreet Lover," a favorite New Orleans R&B tune by Ernie K. Doe, was suggested by a friend who felt Russell’s smooth yet soulful voice suited it perfectly. After playing it live, he knew it belonged on the album. The album closes with a funky rendition of "Ain't No Bread in the Breadbox," a staple from the early '90s Jerry Garcia Band repertoire. Inspired by both the original by Roy Rogers & Norton Buffalo and Garcia's version, Russell infused his own style, enhanced by a horn arrangement from Eric "Benny" Bloom and vibrant backing vocals from Shira Elias, giving the song a fresh, enduring energy.
Fresh off his album release show at Cervantes’ Other Side, Patience promises to make a mark on the modern soul scene and find a place in any soul lover's record collection. Catch Casey Russell on a Colorado Mountain run with The Magic Beans, and stay tuned for more solo shows in 2025.
