“In the Moment with Carla Russell”

(775 Words)

by Jeanie Kezo

(Interview published in Valley Planet—July 27, 2006)

It is no secret that Huntsville’s music scene sizzles with excitement, and Kozmic Mama is one hometown favorite that heats up the crowd on a regular basis. Relaxing in a booth at The Horse before one of her Wednesday night stints, lead singer Carla Russell chatted about her career and Kozmic Mama’s success. Her laughing, brown eyes, ready smile, and easy demeanor make a conversation with her feel as warm as peach cobbler, but her powerful vocals are also a signature element of Kozmic Mama’s appeal.

Russell has lived in Huntsville most of her life, except for three years during her childhood, when her father was transferred to Germany. “I’m an Army brat,” she said. “I was born on the arsenal.”

In middle school, Russell dreamed of playing guitar and singing in a rock band, like Ann Wilson of Heart or Abba--instead, she “just got stuck singing songs.” She eventually decided that her musical pursuits could best be served by featuring her voice. She participated in the school choir but “probably didn’t realize until I was about twenty that I could sing pretty good.” Some of her other musical influences include Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Sam & Dave, although her interest in rhythm and blues developed, later.

Now, Russell has an impressive list of professional credits that date beyond her association with Kozmic Mama. Still, she chuckles at the memory of their first paid performance. “Our first gig was actually at the Silver Dollar (a former business on University Drive) on steak night, and we made $30 apiece.” She recalled an earlier experience when, at age seventeen, she and her all-girl group pitted themselves in a battle of the bands against her future husband’s group. “It was awesome,” Russell said.

Kozmic Mama came together in 1991, its sound reflecting the Motown, soul, blues, and rock influences that have inspired them. Drummer Bobby Jones writes most of the group’s original material. “He can’t help it—he writes all the time,” Russell said. Russell has penned a few lyrics, herself, including “What You Don’t Know” and “I Got Somethin’.” Bobby Love also contributes to vocals and guitarist Mike Fontenot adds to the mix. “He comes up with the really funky, cool riffs, and Bobby comes up with lyrics to marry his music lines. Matt Ship has come up with a couple really cool songs, so we all have a hand in it,” she added.

Russell acts as the group’s unofficial business manager and arranges all their performances. She said that they never had a formal business plan and had to rely, partly, on word of mouth for publicity. Their persistence, hard work, and talent have earned Kozmic Mama a solid fan base over the years.

Since its inception, Kozmic Mama has performed for a wide variety of venues, but Russell’s favorite experiences are those that allow the group to open for another headlining performer, such as their March, 2006 appearance with Gladys Knight & the Pips. “Those kinds of gigs are great because you only have to play for, like an hour, and you can put everything you’ve got into that,” she said.

One of her biggest thrills involved headlining for Bob Dylan, in 1997. “That was awesome,” she said. “That was outside at the VBC, and he actually came out front to hear us perform our last song.” Because of strict security that prevented anyone from getting within twenty feet of Dylan, Russell was unable to make his acquaintance. She consoled herself in an imaginative way. “That night, I picked up a special rock. I thought, whenever I touch this rock, he’ll think of me,” she said.

As one might expect, Russell has met many interesting people during her musical career—musicians being, perhaps, the most interesting of all. “I don’t think I’ve met one, yet, that you could just say was ‘normal,’” she said.

That may be true, but Russell seems to hold normal dreams and aspirations for Kozmic Mama’s future. Touring Europe and recording a commercially released CD are two goals that she still hopes to realize. Fans may be pleased to hear that studio collaborations are now underway between Kozmic Mama and former Steppenwolf guitarist, Larry Byrom.

When she isn’t performing, Russell enjoys spending time with her pets, dabbling in the garden, or doodling with crafts. If bassist Jimmy Clay is playing in a local club with his Beatle tribute band, “The Beatniks,” she might drop by.

In the meantime, what does the future hold for Kozmic Mama? Perhaps, only the cosmos and Carla Russell know for sure, but you can visit their web site at http://www.kozmicmama.com/ to find out more.