Biography:

Shinyribs Russell is known as the front man of the Austin TX musical combo, The Gourds. Born in Beaumont TX, raised in The Church Of Christ he found his calling in biker bars of Louisiana at the tender age of seventeen playing a hybrid of loud country blues rock and psychedelic swamp jangle for the grumpy ingrates congregated there. His regionally notorious band, The Picket Line Coyotes did the college faux chitlin circuit until their demise in the early 90's. The Gourds formed in 1994 and have become a favorite of the Americana/Hippie Jam/Genre Bending scenes of the last 20 years. Russell in a fit of antsy and wanderlust began performing solo shows under the pseudonym Shinyribs as early as 2006. The name was given to him by a transient in return for a meal of BBQ Russell provided to her. After playing a monthly show in Houston for the last two years he has honed Shinyribs into one of the most interesting roots music experiences around. Stylistically it pulls from the spectrums of great American music; Country, Gospel, Funk and a dollop of poetry in the middle of it all. Shinyribs is not afraid to shake his ass either. And many attend shows just for the dancing. A revolving line up of Austin talent has evolved into the current top notch band; Gourd drummer, Keith Langford, Cerebral Pony Bass man Jeff Brown and Kentucky Fried Keyboard Whiz Winfield Cheek. After garnering fans with his debut record, 2010's Well After Awhile (ninemilerecords) the sophomore effort is due out this spring. Look for it in Mid-April on ninemilerecords as well.