For those of you who like your live music mellow but fun, look no further than The Camel on September 23. Singer/songwriter Russell Howard, of Charlotte, NC, is bringing his sweet vocals and smooth, jazzy pop to Richmond.
 
Howard has been writing and performing for more than six years, during which he has self-released two recordings (an EP and a full-length) and built up a loyal group of fans. His full-length album, Too Soon | Too Late, came out in 2006. Although he performs solo and acoustic on tour, he assembled a band for the album, fleshing out his simple but catchy songs.
 
His sound owes as much to smooth jazz as it does to pop, with most of his tunes boasting a friendly sounding, mellow but upbeat groove. Imagine him as a jazzier John Mayer or a less funky Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw with less rock and better lyrics.
 
The album wends through upbeat pop jams and slower-paced ballads, all featuring Howard’s gentle tenor and simple but heartfelt lyrics. The catchiest track might be “History,” a song about “when you just have to leave home,” according to Howard.  But even with the bittersweetness of realizing “here there’s history to hold me down,” Howard keeps the melody upbeat and hopeful. Tracks like “Time and Trouble” are sad (“What do I have to show for all of my time and trouble? What do I have to show for all my love?”), but still with a tenderness and a spark of hope.
 
In addition to his sweet vocals, Howard has some serious guitar chops to back it all up. Sadly he doesn’t show them off much on his album, but I caught a video online where he tore it up, so maybe that’s just a treat for the live shows. If his videos and fan testimonials are any indication, Howard is an energetic and engaging live performer, so this will be a show not to miss.

With solid talent, engaging stage presence, and a Chet Baker-esque baby face, Russell Howard may just be going places fast. Head down to The Camel on September 23 at 8 p.m. so you can say you saw him when. 

Upcoming Event
Russell Howard | Tuesday, September 23rd @ 8 p.m. | The Camel 1621 W Broad St. | $5 (Under 21 $ 8)

WEB | http://www.russellhowardmusic.com

Not necessarily, Jonathan.  As writers and members of Team Brick who also participate in stories like the “Experience It” features, we don’t have time to do them all. 

We get invited to a lot of events, and unfortunately, even we have to pick and choose where we go.  As much as I love to party, even I need to rest sometimes too.

if you wrote an article about an upcoming show wouldn’t you then also attend the show?