Julie Shearer departed this mortal world in August of last year. We invite you to download the remembrances and photos in this lovely PDF. There are also some tributes and memories online, including here and here.
Julie was also the long-time partner of Russ Ellis, and there are several songs he wrote for her, on his recent album Songs From The Garden.
Russ and other family members and friends are hosting a memorial service at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Incredibly, Berkeley Cat Records has made two actual CDs. Against all reason, we made nice physical packages with beautiful artwork for Russ Ellis’ Songs From The Garden and Eric Din’s Street Party.
For a wee limited time, you can order ’em BOTH for the amazing price of $18, all-in including shipping in the US. (For international shipping we’ll have to charge a wee bit, send a note with your order and we’ll work it out)
For added fun, you’ll also get access to these albums on Bandcamp so you may listen to them wherever you may roam, and we know, cats do roam.
Read about Russ Ellis and his album in the New York Times or check out his fab interview on KQED. Read about Eric Din and his album on Brooklyn Vegan. View some photos of these fab items below. Order the Berkeley Cat Records Holiday CD Bundle with this convenient space age button:
It’s Catursunday. And the Russ Ellis CD album is now available for sale thru our wonderful Bandcamp, campers. It’s the whole “Songs From The Garden” LP plus the Oom Chugga Challenge remixes, in a fab “eco-pack” designed by Katie Hawkinson with cover art by young Dex Ellis. A heartfelt Berkeley Cat thanks to all the marvelous musicians and singers who created this unique record album, and everyone who picked it up and gave ‘er a spin online. Did I say “record album?” I did. It’s all online for listening, and you can still download it for free, and now if ya like, you may procure one of the 300 physical units (did I say “units?” I did) in all of existence, in time for the holidays! That is all 😽
We are delighted to find this article in KQED’s site: Russ Ellis Cut His First Album at Age 85, and It’s A Bop
It’s a Bop. It is most definitely a Bop.
Today, 9:40 AM, catch Russ Ellis interviewed live on KQED Forum!
88.5 FM in the Bay Area, or online at NPR.org. (UPDATE 8-28-2021: The audio is there too, now. Give it whirl)
Here’s the paper copy of the Sunday Times I managed to find yesterday.
And the article remains online, presumably until the cows come home. That’s a long time, presumably. Go Russ!
When I first held my newborn son in my arms, I had the sort of palpable image-experience that causes people to join sects of believers-in-weird-things.
I was seeing, thinking, occupying an image of the pulse of his birth pushing up a gigantic plume of water representing new life. This pulse, in the center of the vast ocean of life, pushed all adjacent water toward the shores where the last waves broke and sunk into the sand, returning the water to the cyclical life-and- death process. Indescribable sounds accompanied the image. It was daytime and I was fully awake. I felt pushed a little closer to shore.
I made sure that my new playmate-in-sound got to hear everything I heard and liked. His sister heard everything while in the womb and was happy to tail along as his mother and I delighted in David’s blossoming into a fine musician.
Then, one day, Zoe started to sing. Now, music permeates Ellis family culture. I’m happy to include something from everyone on this album.
The album itself is a happenstance. When I had my granddaughter, Bella, put the song “Eliza” up on YouTube, David added the note “From the album Songs From My Garden, coming Fall 2019.” I thought, “there’s an idea.” Why not? It’s Summer of 2021, but here’s the album.
We have a very special treat for you today on Russ Ellis’ BIRTHDAY!!
A brand new amazing video set to the Russ Ellis track, LAMENT.
Here’s video producer Jason Martineau’s notes:
When Russ first approached me with the idea of creating a video of fractals and computer-generated visuals to accompany his audio track, I eagerly seized upon the opportunity. Using his iconic image by photographer Judy Dater, I built a visual narrative of mathematically generated clips utilizing 10+ different applications, then composited and animated them to follow the music. Russ provided invaluable creative input along the way. I’m very happy with the result, and indeed honored to have been asked to contribute in this way. In a sense, it’s not much different than if he had sent me an original melody and asked me to come up with a chord progression for it. So, this is my “visual harmonization” for Russ’s “Lament”
Here’s Russ’s notes:
Fans of the audio version of “Lament” will be aware of its origins from its liner notes on Songs From The Garden. As soon as it was completed, I imagined it with images. Several years ago, Jason Martineau introduced me to fractals, The Mandelbrot Set, etc., so, last year, I asked him to entertain the prospect of adding fractals to Lament. He agreed. I am very happy with the results. Hang with it a couple of times. There’s stuff to get into.
You can also view this directly on YouTube if you like, and you may share it to your heart’s content. We suggest you view it full-screen, at high-res.
Enjoy! And please join me and all the Berkeley Cats in wishing Russ Ellis a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And many more. Much love,
Berkeley Cat Records is proud to announce this video of Russ Ellis’ latest single, “Chika Ding,” produced by Alcide Marshall. In Al’s own words:
“A collaborative effort with myself and multiple generations of the Ellis Family. Hoping to galvanize the youth for the upcoming election.”
RUSS ELLIS CHIKA DING Marshall Entertainment Group 2020 Voice: Russ Ellis Music: Alcide Marshall Vocals: Zoe Ellis Vocals: Lily Ellis Mixed by Dave Ellis @ Ellis Island Studio Avatar creations: Dave Ellis, Bella Ellis Video Production: Alcide Marshall Portrait of Russ Ellis by Judy Dater
(Catitor’s note: This was originally posted May 9, 2020)
