Music from Russell Kaback’s Debut CD to Lead Eclectic June 21 Performance by Area Musicians

MONTAGUE—Greenfield singer-songwriter Russell Kaback will perform songs from his debut CD “Message of Love” in an evening of music, called Words & Chords: A Solstice Songwriters Circle, at which other area musicians will join him on stage at The Montague Bookmill on Saturday, June 21.

Kaback, 39, is bringing several musicians together for a night of eclectic music, including the sounds of reggae, folk, world and soul. Joining Kaback to each play their own original songs will be Carolyn Walker, Ras Moon and ReBelle. The event begins at 8 p.m.; there is an $8 cover charge.

Kaback, whose own sounds are reminiscent of Van Morrison and Marvin Gaye, said he was inspired to organize this event to show the diverse culture of music in the area.

“I love to bring together various styles to celebrate the differences and to acknowledge the similarities between them. Audiences enjoy it, and it’s really enriching for the artists,” he said. “It’s a healthy cross-pollination.”

“Message of Love” infuses R&B, featuring mostly electric guitars and sweet, soulful grooves that offer an uplifting poetic tapestry woven with hope and strength. Kaback assembled a blend of talented musicians to help him create the CD, including guitarist Duke Levine, who has played with Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Northampton’s Martin Sexton, saxophonist Erik Lawrence of Levon Helm’s band, and vocalists Naia Kete and Rockapella’s Sean Altman.

Kaback is a self-taught guitar player whose entry into music began when he was a young boy listening to his parents play the piano and sing at their home. Songs from the 60s and 70s, such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” inspired him to become a singer-songwriter. Over the years, he developed his own sound and found a passion for songwriting. At age 25 he traveled to Europe and honed his musical talents, playing in cafes and on street corners. He has shared a stage with Caribbean reggae legend Bankie Banx and has recorded in Nashville with Teddy Jack Bridges, the son of Leon and Mary Russell.

Kaback is married to Holly Christensen, a midwife in Greenfield. The couple has two young daughters.

For more information about Words & Chords: A Solstice Songwriters Circle or “Message of Love,” visit  www.russellkaback.com

or contact Kaback at (413) 768-0409 or rk@russellkaback.com.