Bayard Russell

Bayard Russell (born Jan. 1979) in an American singer-songwriter from Indiana. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a minor in music (and an equally impractical degree in philosophy), and in 2001 moved to New York City where he now resides. His band resume has included the punk group Karess, acoustic rock duos Clean Slate and The very Nerve, jam band Funkelstiltskin, the Dylanesque Matt Jones Band, and most recently the garage pop trio Negative Ken. He has performed at Snitch, The Orange Bear, Suite 16, Crash Mansion, and Underground Lounge.

His band resume has included the punk group Karess, acoustic rock duos Clean Slate and The very Nerve, jam band Funkelstiltskin, the Dylanesque Matt Jones Band, and most recently the garage pop trio Negative Ken. He has performed at Snitch, The Orange Bear, Suite 16, Crash Mansion, and Underground Lounge. In addition to his vocal work, he plays many instruments including the guitar, bass, piano and djembe. There is a special place in his heart for the kazoo.

Bayard Russell's first album, Selftitled, is deceptively simple and deceptively upbeat. His songs are guitar-driven power-pop gems overlaid with techno beats and synths, as if John Mayer had his turn partnering up with James Figurine of The Postal Service. Russell's music reminds you that catchy hooks can coexist peacefully with intimate expression, and sad songs can make you smile.

http://www.myspace.com/bayardrussell