Soon to be inducted ARIA Hall of Famer Russell Morris has returned to the chart with his first new studio album of original material in 16 years. 'Jumpstart Diary' has debuted at Number 13 on the NSW/ACT Independent Chart.
The instore buzz for 'Jumpstart Diary' was championed by Songland Records owner Brian 'Frog' Harris. "Russell's new album is the strongest record of his career. By supporting it instore my customers recognised that very quickly. Word of mouth is really taking it to the next level," Frog said.Russell had pretty much given up any hope of returning to recording and recorded the songs on 'Jumpstart Diary' primarily as song demos to shop to younger performers. Friends heard the songs and urged him to release them as his own album. He has done so independently.
That delivers a whole new set of problems to a heritage artist. How do you let people know the album is released? "I'd recommend that radio stations and the appropriate television shows take a note of this because there's a big groundswell happening that the media hasn't discovered yet," says Frog.
Russell Morris is one of Australia's most enduring live performers. In the 60's and 70's, Morris had five Top 10 singles. His most successful song is 'The Real Thing', written by Johnny Young, produced by Ian 'Molly' Meldrum and in recent years covered by Kylie Minogue and Midnight Oil.
The Russell Morris catalogue features a goldmine of Australia Rock Classics including 'Wings Of An Eagle', 'Rachel', 'Live With Friends', 'Part Three Into Paper Walls' and 'The Girl That I Love'.
Enquiries about obtaining the album can be made to Songland Records on (02) 62934677 or email songland@flex.com.au
