Allison Russell featuring Kara Jackson, Denitia, and Explore! Pop Choir - "Cold April"

Photo by Mason Poole

While we tend to think of Allison Russell as more of a folk artist, her latest single is far from that genre. "Cold April" features Kara Jackson, Denitia, and Explore! Pop Choir (Russell's daughter, Ida's, choir), and fits more into a pop category. It borders the line between mainstream pop and alt-pop, but either way it's a fun, and great single. It mixes plenty of soul and R&B into a pop sound, but pop is the dominant sound, especially once the choir kicks in towards the end. "Cold April" is anything but cold sounding. It's an upbeat and sunny track, and is going to have a strong appeal to a wide range of music fans.

Allison Russell says of her latest single:

"Things are rough. Things have been rough before.Cold April is not laying out the grim facts of the moment. Cold April asks if we can let the music itself restore and recharge us. The act of singing with my sisters, Kara Jackson and Denitia, is a balm for my soul, and a wind at my back to keep on. And my daughter Ida’s Explore! Pop Choir?!… Let them tell it: 

“'Calling all birds from across the nation

yeah we got a brand new murmuration

we don’t have to fly in that 

old formation, no' 

"Youth - and Love - will be served!"

You can watch the video for "Cold April" below. In the Hour of Chaos is due out July 10 on Fantasy Records. For more on Allison Russell, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video and include July 10 at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston and July 12 at BankNH Pavilion in Gilford, NH, both opening for Sarah McLachlan.

Jul 1 – FirstBank Amphitheater – Franklin, TN*

Jul 3 – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA*

Jul 7 – TD Pavilion at The Mann – Philadelphia, PA*

Jul 8 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater – Bridgeport, CT*

Jul 10 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA*

Jul 11 – Forest Hills Stadium – Forest Hills, NY*

Jul 12 – BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH*

Jul 14 – Artpark Mainstage Theater – Lewiston, NY*

Jul 15 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill – Sterling Heights, MI*

Jul 17 – Acrisure Amphitheater – Grand Rapids, MI*

Jul 18 – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL*

Jul 19 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN*

Jul 21 – PNC Pavilion – Cincinnati, OH*

Jul 23 – Saint Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO*

Jul 24 – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO*

Jul 26 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX*

Jul 30 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – West Valley City, UT*

Aug 1 – Toyota Pavilion at Concord – Concord, CA*

Aug 2 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA*

Aug 4 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA*

Aug 5 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA*

Aug 7 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR*

Aug 8 – Chateau Ste Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA*

Aug 9 – Chateau Ste Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA*

Oct 15 – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

Oct 22 – Massey Hall – Toronto, ON

Oct 23 – Theatre Beanfield – Montreal, QC

Oct 24 – Imperial Bell – Quebec City, QC

Oct 25 – National Arts Centre - Southam Hall – Ottawa, ON 

Oct 27 – Higher Ground The Ballroom – South Burlington, VT

Nov 1 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN

Nov 3 – Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB

Nov 5 – Winspear Centre – Edmonton, AB

Nov 6 – Grey Eagle Resort & Event Centre – Calgary, AB

Nov 9 – University of British Columbia Vancouver Chan Centre – Vancouver, BC

* supporting Sarah McLachlan