Shinyribs performing at Luckenbach Texas in Fredericksburg, Texas on April 24, 2021, with Winfield Cheek, Keith Langford, Jeff Brown, Tijuana Trainwreck Horns, Kelley Mickwee, Alice Spencer, and Kevin Russell. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Shinyribs is the continuation of Kevin Russell’s musical journey that began in Beaumont, Texas when, at 14, he found his father’s guitar under his bed, along with a sewing machine, a billy club and a box of comic books. Luckily he chose the guitar.
Following his family’s oil boom and bust migratory path he landed in Shreveport, Louisiana where he formed his first band. Picket Line Coyotes were a Husker Du meets Elvis Costello hybrid that lived and died between the “Arklatexabamassippi” borders much like their unfortunate animal namesake.
That’s what took him to Austin where The Gourds were born from those Coyote ashes. That storied band of pumpkins came to an end after 18 years of good times and hard travelin’. 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, squeezed on, kissed on by this world-class band featuring Winfield Cheek on Keyboards, Keith Langford on Drums, Jeff Brown on Bass, the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns, and The Shiny Soul Sisters, Kelley Mickwee & Alice Spencer.
Whether on his 6 string Uke or his Electric guitar or singing a cappella, Russell will entertain you like no one else. The freedom with which he moves, coupled with his incredible voice is an experience in and of itself. His original songs laced with magical-realism along with novel interpretations of popular songs old and new (George Jones, TLC, Leadbelly, T-Pain) are the true art that runs throughout. He’s Burl Ives meets Al Green, Hank, Jr. meets Teddy Pendergrass, Wendell Berry meets Chuck Berry.
Great show as always! Love Shiny such great musicians each one. My favorite band for great live shows.Shinyribs was the main act at Luckenbach Texas with guests Kelley Mickwee and Ben Jones. The band continues across the United States with the last stop at the Old Settler's Music Festival in Dale, Texas on October 21, 2021.
As always Kevin Russell came with the eclectic energy I’ve come to expect. His movement style, fun mishmash storytelling/singing injected good spirits into the crowd.
Shinyribs never disappoints their audience & this concert was no exception...hands down this show was the best & most entertaining one I've seen yet! Can't wait for the next they are in town!
A live Shinyribs is more like a party than a concert! The band connects with a crowd in powerful ways. Kevin Russell adds storytelling and choreography to turn a song into a 4 minute musical masterpiece! Whether he creates a romantic tale of seduction with "Sweet Potato" or takes you through a joyous tribute to our local cuisine with "Donut Taco Palace" he and all of the amazing musicians make each song a memorable celebration. The band is so unique and so tight and has added a powerful horn section, a phenomenal fiddler player, and even groovy background singers in the last year.
Shinyribs
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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