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Russ Kunkel
A partial listing of artists he has drummed with or produced gives a flavor of his versatility and includes Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, J.J. Cale, Tracy Chapman, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg, Don Henley, Elton John, B.B. King, Lyle Lovett, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Seals & Crofts, Bob Segart, Steppenwolf, Derek Trucks Band, Uncle Kracker, Steve Winwood, Neil Young and Warren Zevon.
The Kunkel sound was a signature of early James Taylor recordings, his subdued but funky bass drum work and artful tom tom fills adding a surprising but welcome hipness to the soft acoustic Taylor sound. He has produced numerous other artists's recordings and is an accomplished song writer as well. Kunkel's standing in the music community is perhaps best summarized by this recent tribute from Carly Simon:
"I love Russ Kunkel. He is every singer's favorite drummer and I just was told as a matter of fact that he's Levon Helm's favorite drummer. He is brilliant as a person as well. I don't know what he's doing these days. I hope it's something that's worthy of the talent he always brings to whatever project he's doing. I believe he did more for my career as a writer, arranger and producer than anyone. He kept pushing me in the best possible way when I was writing the music for "Heartburn" and the ensuing album "Coming Around Again", to write the bass parts, guitar and strings myself and play them on synthesizers. For the final recording we of course got reasonable people to play those parts. (I mean, don't kid yourself, that's not me being Billy Paine!!!) You only have to get me started on what a magaical person he is. Generous and brilliant. Love Carly"
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Jackson Browne: Jackson Browne (2023 Remaster)
by Doug Collette
It was only a matter of time until Jackson Browne turned his attention to an archival endeavor devoted to his self-titled debut album. Having plumbed the vault for his masterwork, Late For The Sky (Inside Recordings, 2014), then a re-release of his most commercially-successful record, Running On Empty (Inside Recordings, 2019) five years later, he may have been saving what he considers his best for last (unless and until he turns his attention to his brilliant sophomore outing For Everyman ...
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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson