Vickie Russell's "Painted by Monet": A Song that Deserves to be Heard

Music is one of my greatest joys in life, and the discovery of new music is like recieving a gift from the gods. For this reason, I have been an avid user of Pandora.com for quite some time. Pandora is an online radio station that plays music according to the listener's existing tastes. The listener simply tells Pandora what artists and songs he or she likes and a customizable station is created that plays songs and artists that have similar musical qualities. Pandora's library of music ranges from the widely-known to the completely obscure, so it's always an exciting adventure to hear what will be played next.

Not too long ago, Pandora gave me a sweet and wonderful surprise. I didn't yet know what I was listening to, but I was immediately swept away by the romantic flow of an acoustic grand piano. Then, a delicate feminine voice drifted softly in with a lyric that was stunningly simplistic, and yet it touched my soul, rousing feelings from deep within. Finally, a mournful cello joined the musical arrangement, accentuating the melancholy that lay beneath such a serene exterior. I had to know what I was listening to and I had to know where I could find it. The song information read, "Painted by Monet. By: Vickie Russell. On: Next."

I had never heard of Russell before, but I was certain that she must be a genius. In my research, I discovered just how well-rounded she is as an artist. She completed a degree in Early Childhood at the University of Florida. Afterwards, she moved to New York, where she currently resides, to study dance, music theory, piano and theatre among other interests. She has opened for such acts as 10,000 Maniacs and Donovan and has recorded three albums, "As Written" (1997), "Welcome Home" (2003), and her latest release, "Next" (2008), which opens with "Painted by Monet."

Russell cites piano masters, Elton John and Carole King, and legendary folk singer, James Taylor, as some of her influences, and after hearing "Painted by Monet" this comes as no surprise. She has followed in their footsteps with an airy acoustic musical arrangement. However, Russell actually outdoes her influences on the song's understatement and conveyance of emotion. The song is one of longing, but it is presented so casually and contentedly that the saddness and love therein are amplified.

If you've ever experience unrequited love, "Painted by Monet" will certainly touch your heart. I was moved by it and that is why I wanted to share it. This sweet song and incredibly talented musician definitely deserve some attention. Follow the links below to listen and enjoy.