TIM RUSSELL Man of a Thousand Voices

Since 1994, Tim Russell has been the “Prairie Home Companion” go-to guy when Garrison Keillor calls for an extra mobster, a stumbling Swede, a crusty cowboy, or a dead-on impression of Fred Rogers, Ronald Reagan, or Jimmy Stewart (just to mention a few). Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Russell has a comically elastic voice that delivers the radio show’s smart, gentle satire of all things Midwestern. Chosen from the past 19 years of live performances, this “best-of” collection plays like a vintage comedy album, with plenty of 2-4 minute bits showing off Russell’s voice talents and quick wit. Examples include the wonderful Guy Noir skits, numerous commercial satires, and listeners’ odds-on favorite, the Ketchup Advisory Board. B.P. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2014]