All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally
Country Rewind, 2019
8/10
Listen to All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally
A singer-songwriter and comedian who was most active in the ‘70s, All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally collects some of the more rare tunes from Johnny Russell that were recorded for a broadcast in Nashville.
“Good Hearted Woman” starts the album with acoustic strumming and Russell’s warm, strong pipes on a melodic country tune, and “She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man” follows with pedal steel and an emotive spirit that’s both pretty and soulful.
Further along, “Johnny B Goode” has Russell doing the classic tune justice with his rural fun, and the barnyard swagger of the title track will certainly get your body moving.
Near the end, “Jambalaya” brings plenty of melody and crisp instrumentation to the album highlight, while “Mr. and Mrs. Untrue” recruits aching balladry in a contemplative setting. “The World’s Meanest Man” ends the listen with a rugged delivery that still retains the universally embraceable country template that Russell built his career on.
The Country Rewind label seems to have a knack for unearthing timeless recordings that deserve to be resurrected, and this collection from Russell is certainly continuing that trend. It’s no surprise that Russel’s tune have been recorded by Jerry Garcia, Buck Owens and Dolly Parton; the guy could write a country tune with lasting power.
Travels well with: Carl Smith- Mr. Country; Roy Drusky- It’s My Way