A self-taught singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist, Allison Russell has redefined what artistry means in the 21st century. Outside Child, her often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy, has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years, with three GRAMMY Award nominations, the Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, the 2022 Americana Music Association’s Album of the Year Award, two International Folk Music Awards, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, and four UK Americana Music Awards.
Now comes the second chapter in herstory, The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation, Black love, of Black self-respect. Written and co-produced by Allison along with Dim Star (her partner JT Nero and his brother Drew Lindsay), The Returner was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, and features an astounding all-female musical collective and special guests Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark and Hozier. The Returner garnered four Grammy nominations, netting Allison the music industry's highest honor for her song "Eve was Black."
In all, the new album doesn’t just deliver on the massive promise of the last two years, it brilliantly exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms Allison Russell’s place among music’s most vital artists, and The Returner as one of 2023’s most essential recordings.
We are thrilled to present Allison Russell at the Ross Farm this summer! Gates will open at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. concert. Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, and picnics are welcome - carry in/carry out, please.
