Ford Turrell

"Ford Turrell's self-titled debut introduces us to a talented young artist to watch. Turrell's well-crafted songs and rootsy, organic sound will appeal to fans of Ray LaMontagne or David Gray, and his poetic lyrics will have you hanging on every word. A promising debut from a promising artist." -Abby White, Music Editor Performing Songwriter Magazine.


"Ford Turrell’s easy style and good blending of everything musical makes for a fun, soulful listen"-Delusions of Grandeur Review.


"Ford Turrell paints powerful musical pictures on his exquisitely produced debut -- whispery, rootsy rock with a David Gray/John Mayer feel."-Grand Rapids Press.

FORD TURRELL

I’m a singer-songwriter-artist living in Nashville, TN. I’m originally from Michigan but made the move to Tennessee after getting a publishing deal a few years ago. I recorded and released an EP in December 2006 with the help of friend, producer, and engineer extraordinaire Reid Scelza. In late August 2007 I finished my first full-length record, also with Reid Scelza, and it’s called, strangely enough, “Ford Turrell.” The new record is full of great musicians, and was mixed by Jacquire King (Josh Ritter, Kings of Leon, Sea Wolf). I’ve always been into music. As a kid around my house it was the Stones, CCR, and Otis Redding. It was later that I discovered Dylan, Young, Morrison, and Springsteen. I’ve also always been into literature, philosophy, and poetry (I’m currently being absorbed by deconstruction---whatever that is, and TS Eliot). Performing on stage has also been a part of my life since I was a wee lad when I had a “small” role in some kind of Christmas play. Since then I’ve been in a variety of stage productions, bands, etc. Lyrically and musically my goal is the moment. I try, unsuccessfully at times, to grasp at some kind of immediacy, to what is happening right now, to describe the situation, the person, the relationship, the scene, the act…to live with what it is and not try to put anything on it, to open it up rather than close it off (this all plays nicely with my personal philosophical bent for those of you who are following along). I suppose this need for openings, for the unknown, for possibilities also explains why I’ve always found live performance so enticing, and probably why I always manage to make my way back to the stage. This also explains my motivation for wanting to record the new record completely live, (my motivation to do this was also heightened by listening to some amazing performances caught on record, like Veedon Fleece and some old Otis R. outtakes) where everyone is in one room, feeding off of each other, the energy of the songs and the performance. So that’s what we did. In just a few days during May and June of 2007 the band and I tracked all of the songs, live. What you hear on the record is the way it went down.
I’m currently out playing in support of “Ford Turrell.” Keep tabs on this page for live dates, promotions, etc. Hope to see you there.
Best,
ft
"This music reflects this journey of unknowing. Ford's poetically crafted lyrics and authentic, intimate voice reflect the rich descriptions of a world without epiphany or definitive answers, open to possibility, infinite explanation, and multiple truths. This is music which reflects its creator, with a question mark at the end, not a period." -Writer B. Gallaher
"Ford Turrell will likely be an artist that you can say you heard him first when a year or two from now he's being played on all the top 40 radio stations. The phrase "only a matter of time" fits nicely." -The Album Project Review (9/4/07)
For booking and contact info: smithhaven4@comcast.net