Russell & Beckie Bio

Russell’s interest in music started as a teen. His first instrument was a guitar. After moving to Austin, he made friends with several guitar players and songwriters. He soon was inspired to write music. With no training in music, Russell has cataloged several hundred songs without even knowing what key the songs were in.

Shortly after joining his first band, Power Monkey, Russell and Beckie began working on a public access live variety show called “Citizens Live”. For two years every Saturday night, they helped performers showcase their talents. Bands and soloists like Jimmy LaFave, The True Believers, Roky Erikson, The Ramones and lots of others were on the show. It was then that Mark Williams introduced Russell to the Mandocello. It was love at first listen. Beckie had his twelve string guitar turned into a “Mando”.

This instrument has been referred to as the “instrument of the angels” and Russell soon was writing and playing this unique instrument. Most are vintage instruments, but they are making a comeback with manufacturers. The Mandocello is 4 sets of double strings tuned like a cello. When amplified it takes on an entirely different sound.

By the nature of the music, some observers have remarked that the music is channeled. This gives the sound a healing quality. After several years of fun with the music, the first CD of its kind is now available to the public. The band Russell D is Russell and Darren who have been working on a follow up CD.

A Prayer for You starts with a Hildegirls performance. Beckie joined this group in 2003 with hesitation since she had never sung before. The Hildegirls are an all female group that sings and performs the music of the 12th century nun, St. Hildegard of Bingen. This mystic, healer and author channeled over 70 songs with no knowledge of music. The Hildegirls, led by evocateur, Susan Lincoln, has two annual sessions that are open to anyone wanting to sing and embrace the sacred feminine within. A group of 14 women traveled to Germany to perform for Hildegard’s feast day in her home town. Many of those in attendance had never had the opportunity to hear her music even though they have been celebrating her life for centuries. A rare recording of this event served as an intro to “A Prayer for You”.

Russell has many influences in his music but his biggest support comes from his wife and friends that have held his music close for all these years.
 

Darren Ivey – Drummer/Percussionist

Darren began playing drums just after High school (1983) when a voice of inspiration came in the unlikely form of local Guitar great Chris Duarte. One afternoon while hanging with Chris and friends, Darren was over heard by Chris expressing a hidden, deep desire; “I wish I could play the drums”. Chris offered this advice; “My young friend, if you just keep wishing, you will never do it”. Chris made Darren get behind the drums and learn the opening drum line to “Stairway to Heaven”. It changed the way Darren looked at his dream forever. It began a life long passion that burns hotter today than ever before. Darren started playing with other musicians and taught himself to play through trial and error (more error for sure!). Through the years many bands would come and go, but the first project to satisfy his heart and mind was Russell D. A mix of musical adventure and spiritual journey, that grows with each new song. Russell and Darren were meant to write, play and grow spiritually together. You can hear it in the music and feel it at the shows.