Reluctant rock star no more

MANILA, Philippines - Some people may call him a late bloomer. Some people may call him a reluctant rock star. But for William Russell, it’s never too late to heed his heart’s calling and finally share a lifetime’s worth of music that has constantly been playing in his head.

In more ways than one, his debut album Russellution represents a personal triumph — slaying his inner demons of fear and self-doubt on one hand, and on the other singlehandedly taking over the gargantuan task of bringing the music to life, from its first creative spark down to the finished product.

As he himself aptly says, “Russellution highlights the resolution of my innermost desire to overcome the challenges related to the craft of songwriting and the risks inherent in the act of public performance.”

Despite having worn many hats as businessman and public servant for most of his life, Russell never surrendered his passion for music. Like most teeners who grew up on Beatlemania and lived through the glory days of rock ‘n roll, the guitar-toting Russell knew then and there that he had found his perfect channel for self-expression.

As early as the ‘70s, Russell had already been hearing the first strains of Dear Sunshine, a composition that resonates with spiritual undertones. Though not a songwriter in the strict sense of the word, he found himself constantly bombarded with fragments of musical ideas.

Even when he knew that those musical ideas made no sense at the time, Russell painstakingly wrote down the musical fragments in a music notebook that would soon turn out to be his time capsule and treasure trove.

But as fate would have it, Russell had to set aside his rock star dreams as he heeded his parents’ desire for him to finish his studies and join the rat race. And so the notebook and its musical gems were stashed away for decades, presumed lost and never to be found again, or so he thought.

Looking back, Russell attributes his musical comeback to two serendipitous events that occurred a couple of years back. One was the incessant prodding of close friends, including Lenny de Jesus, Mike Pedero, Jings de Guzman, Richie Quirino, Jun Raymundo (father of actress Ina Raymundo), Joey Mundo, Carlo Gaa and Nap Apolinario, who encouraged him to perform onstage while he was managing the Glass Onion Band.

The other was the inexplicable “discovery” of the lost notebook at a relative’s house. Looking back at his old notes triggered a surge of memories, but more than just an emotional high, Russell took this as his sign for him to finally pursue his musical calling.

Buoyed by his second wind, Russell wasted no time in mapping out his master plan for his debut album, which took seven months to complete.

Being heavily influenced by folk rock progenitors such as Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Zombies, Russell makes no excuses for recapturing that raw ‘60s vibe in most of his songs. Featuring threadbare guitar parts propelled by that compelling backbeat, Russellution also occasionally borrows elements from bossa nova and calypso.

On the surface, Russellution may seem like the missing link bridging ‘70s rock to mainstream alternative music. In hindsight, had this been released four decades earlier, it could have easily made its mark in the annals of Pinoy Rock history.

Russell’s lyrics reflect his keen insight for social commentary. Reading between the lines, one can’t help but grasp his philosophical discourse on such topics as spirituality, apathy, fear and other human frailties.

Downplaying any expectations of commercial success, Russell reiterates, “The act of having been able to complete the album in seven months is a major psychic reward in itself. All other financial or material benefits are secondary to my creative happiness.”

After a promising debut performance at the Philippine International Jazz and Guitar Festival last September, the William Russell Experience (now known as the William Russell Music and Friends), soon earned more raves in Angeles City, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma Mall as well as other exclusive private performances.

The Russellution CD launch follows through with a special performance at The Long Bar of Raffles Hotel, Makati City today, in celebration of the Philippine International Jazz Festival’s Fusion Week.