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Record World Magazine
Adryan Russ’ ‘The Better Love Is, The Worse It Is When It’s Over’ is a standout on Barry White’s album, Barry and Glodean.
Los Angeles Times
The title song ‘White Lies’ (lyrics by Adryan Russ) nails the theme of the film The Check Is in the Mail and the no-holds-barred words rub it in your face.
Jeff Rossen, Cabaret Scenes
What’s it about a story that sets me on fire?” Adryan Russ writes in the lyric to ‘Everyone Has A Story.’ Part of the answer is, “I love to peel the wrong, reveal the right…Beneath the darkest tale there’s always light.” And Russ peels away matters of the heart, the joy and irritation of friends, living for the moment and the effects of aging in 15 songs turned over to an array of engaging performers backed by crisp arrangements by Grant Geissman. Whether upbeat — as in ‘Great Things’ (a winningly graceful read by Juliana Ashley Hansen; music by Brad Ellis) and the title track (Joan Ryan) — melancholy — the loss of love and friendship in ‘Hopscotch’ (Karen Benjamin) and the album’s standout moment, ‘I Slip Into This Place’ (Sharon McNight’s raw and smoky vocal echoes the great blues singers of the past) — or exploring the wonder and pain of love — the lovingly crafted ‘Matters of the Heart’ (tenderly caressed by Tami Tappan;), ‘The Better Love Is, The Worse It Is When It’s Over’ (David Burnham), ‘I Want to Live This Love’ (Burnham and Tappan), ‘I Hate to See You Go’ (Susan Egan) — there’s a core of truth in Russ’ creations that the listener will relate to, especially if the urge to speak the truth has been suppressed, ‘I Don’t Say Anything’ (Cindy Benson) and ‘Them’ (Barbara Deutsch).
Out Magazine
With unmistakably Broadway melodic lines, razor-sharp lyrics and wide-eyed performances by top cabaret stars like Sharon McNight and Jason Graae, Everyone finally puts this gifted composer front and center. Russ, best known for her off-Broadway musical Inside Out, couldn’t ask for a more convincing showcase. Thanks to the dedication of the participants — especially arranger Grant Geissman and producer Bruce Kimmel — what could have been a mixed bag is an embarrassment of riches. You’ll hear shimmers of Menken, Hamlisch, and Shire, but more often, an original voice sings out.
93.5 WRTN FM/1460 WVOX AM New York, Lesley Alexander’s CD, Theatre & Cabaret Update
Everyone Has A Story, The Songs of Adryan Russ offers a variety of emotions put forth by a bevy of terrific singers including Jason Graae and Susan Egan. The real find on this disc is a future hit entitled “Matters of the Heart” well sung by Tami Tappan stressing the value of what is felt with an easy flowing melody and a simple honest emotive lyric. Other highlights include Sharon McNight in an alcoholic haze of lost love called “I Slip Into This Place” and “Great Things,” a Disney-like anthem of positive thinking.
Spotlight Reviews, United Kingdom
“Life,” says Adryan Russ in one of the 15 songs featured on this showcase for her work, “is not a science, it’s an art.” There is no doubting the exuberant and romantic spirit that pervades the songs on this album. Russ’ romanticism is the type that believes in the boundless possibilities of human achievement, in the ability of the spirit to overcome the greatest adversity. This, in Adryan Russ’ world, everyone does indeed have a story, anyone can achieve “great things.” Those seeking well-written songs of positive affirmation would do well to listen to Joan Ryan and Juliana Ashley Hansen’s delivery of the opening two tracks, the latter with music written by Brad Ellis…. Russ’ songs are solidly constructed, well written for the voice and abound with inventive lyrics….Whether you’re a cabaret patron (or booking agent) eager to hear a whole raft of highly talented singers on one album or a performer in search of new material that can make your audience laugh, cry or sigh out loud, you would be well-advised to make time in your schedule and space in your CD rack for this refreshing and entertaining album.
