Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Songlines Music) - Singer/songwriter/pianist Suzi Ragsdale announces the February 9 release of her special edition two-disc digipak album, Best Regards/Less of the Same, on Clyde Records/Stark Raven Records, distributed nationally by the Allegro Media Group. The album features special guests Rodney Crowell, Darrell Scott and Gabe Dixon.
Nashville native Suzi Ragsdale literally grew up in the music business. The daughter of legendary singer/songwriter Ray Stevens, Suzi sang - at the age of five - in the kiddie chorus on her father's Grammy Award-winning smash hit, 'Everything Is Beautiful.' At 10, she was recording children's albums and writing her own songs; by 13 she was singing other writers' demos; and by 17 Suzi was singing in local clubs.
Suzi has sung background harmony vocals on more than 60 albums and can be heard on such hits as 'Mi Vida Loca' by Pam Tillis, 'Jesus and Mama' by Confederate Railroad, 'Whisper My Name' by Randy Travis and 'Hey Cinderella' by Suzy Bogguss. Over the last 20 years, her vocal work has also appeared on albums from Hank Williams, Jr., David Ball, Jo-El Sonnier, Joy Lynn White, Tom Paxton and Ian Tyson, among many others.
In addition to three previous albums independently released in collaboration with Verlon Thompson, Suzi also served long stints in the bands of Guy Clark and Darrell Scott, who produced her first solo album, Future Past, released in 1998. During her time with Guy Clark's band, she also sang on his Boats to Build, Dublin Blues and Keepers albums; and with Darrell Scott she can be heard singing and/or playing on six of his albums from 1996 to the present. As a songwriter, her tunes have been recorded by Anne Murray, Billy Dean, Pam Tillis, Mila Mason, Suzy Bogguss, Lari White, Lisa Brokop and the rock twins, Nelson.
On Best Regards/Less of the Same, Suzi Ragsdale has crafted two CDs of music that covers a wide spectrum of songs ranging from quiet, simple truths to wild, imaginative rides. Both discs were produced by Tim Lauer, showcasing sophisticated arrangements and innovative sonic textures. The songs on Best Regards range from the jazzy pop of 'Wake Up!' to the acoustic waltz, 'Virginia.' On the album's title track, she's joined by a carnival orchestra, evoking a Randy Newman-like feel. Special guest Darrell Scott plays guitar, mandolin and banjo on three tracks.
On the second collection, Less of the Same, Suzi and Tim Lauer hand-picked a mix of five of her original songs written over the course of her career. She also includes a cover of Darrell Scott's 'Full Light' that features a duet with Gabe Dixon. 'My One and Only Valentine' is reminiscent of Roy Orbison; and on 'Troublemaker, 'she's joined by special guest Rodney Crowell for a fiery duet packed with plenty of attitude.
As Suzi Ragsdale perfected her craft over the years as a singer and songwriter, she's also developed other skills which have enabled her to become a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer and certified yoga teacher. She also has a natural affinity for cooking and has developed her own blend of coffee. More information on those areas, as well as her music, can be found by visiting her lifestyle website, www.suziragsdale.com. Visitors to her site can also download a free bonus track of music.
