We have love. You’re not alone: Allison Russell Sings of Trauma, Recovery, and Joy

Artistic gifts, conventional wisdom tells us, often come with a history. In the case of Allison Russell, that history began with deep trauma. But it didn’t end there.

Allison Russell’s mother suffered from depression and schizophrenia, and lost custody of her daughter when the latter was five years old. When Allison returned to the household, her new stepfather, a white supremacist, physically and sexually abused her. This abuse went on for years. At last, at age 15, she ran away. She’s lived on her own ever since.

These painful beginnings—and the feelings of liberation, joy and triumph occasioned by overcoming them—surface explicitly in Russell’s music. The wonder is how those positive feelings prevail. You can’t help but be lifted by her ecstatic energy, her positive message, and her generous, affirming emotion. Russell’s vocals and banjo blends with the music of six amazing women: two on guitar, two on cello, and a drummer.

This is a study in recovery and healing. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have.