Heather Russell is an accomplished vocalist, musician, and songwriter who has been compared to impressive artists like Sarah McLachlan and Kate Bush. Russell was classically trained in piano at Furman University, then earned a more contemporary knowledge by working with a number of groups in the Southeast, performing everything from jazz to rock. Besides being a skilled pianist, she plays the saxophone and the oboe. During the early years of her career, Russell shared the stage with Howling Maggie, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Bad Boy Butch Batson, the Chaotic Arts Ensemble, and many others. By 1993, the urge to go solo had taken hold, and Russell went to work on her first demo tape. She followed it up with another one two years later. It wasn't until 2000 that the Chapel Hill, NC, resident finally saw the release of her debut EP, a seven-song offering titled Just in Time. Some of the tracks on this first EP are "Morgiana," "When I Wish," "Mirror," and "Sonnet 29." A couple of the tunes are rhythmic dance remixes. Much of Russell's music is piano-driven at times and seasoned with touches of folk as well as her classical training. Her sometimes-breathy voice isn't overpowered at all by the instruments that accompany her, including piano notes, a little drum work, or the strum of a guitar. ~ Charlotte Dillon, Rovi
