Portland singer-songwriter Luther Russell is ready to take a break from is his low-key local solo career. The 28-year-old L.A.-native was yearning to return to his rock band roots when he began writing songs with ex-Black Crowe guitarist Marc Ford last year. The two clicked immediately and all the pieces fell into place to form a band. Federale, the fruit of their efforts, has already inked a deal with Geffen and makes its Portland premiere this Saturday at the Satyricon.

Russell and Ford had met years ago in L.A. before Ford's stint with the Black Crowes and Russell's move to Portland. When friends in the industry put them in touch again last year, they soon discovered they shared a passion and talent for songwriting. For Ford, forming Federale is a chance to do what is most fulfilling to him as a musician -- relegated to his duties as lead guitarist, he was not able to exercise his lyrical skills during a six-year career with the Black Crowes.

The name Federale was "borrowed," as Russell puts it, from a friend of Ford's in L.A., who planned to name his next band Federale Express. Russell liked the shortened version, which is the Spanish term for the Mexican-American border patrol. But don't be misled. The band's sound is strictly American pop rock with a distinct California influence as well as inspiration from Russell's hero, Neil Young.

"We're coming to grips with the fact that we're a pop band," Russell says. A departure in style from Russell's solo folk sound, Federale is a straightforward guitar band that Russell expects will have broad appeal. The band includes seasoned drummer Jimi Bott, who has played for the Fabulous Thunderbirds and has a rich background in the blues. Also in the lineup is bassist Jason Hiller, who founded Highland Records and was Russell's bandmate in a previous life with the Freewheelers.

Ford's name and association have no doubt given weight to the project. At the band's first performance in L.A., Federale packed the house. In the audience were representatives from 12 record labels. "People were really curious. They knew our work and wanted hear what kind of sound we had together," Russell says.

With band members split between L.A. and Portland, the group has connections to the industry while enjoying the artistic freedom of the independent scene. Focused on songwriting for the past year, Federale has enough material for an album and is now shopping for a producer. The band plans to record the album and go on tour this year.

"Marc has the most rock 'n' roll experience," concedes Russell, who is no newcomer to the music business himself. Russell's more than ten years as a performer began with the R&B, rock 'n' roll band Freewheelers. Based in L.A., the Freewheelers toured the country, playing in 42 states, and released two CDs in the band's seven years together. When the band split in 1996, Russell had already relocated to Portland.

Though Russell makes frequent trips to L.A. and still considers himself a part of that scene, he prefers to live in Portland. Living here has allowed Russell to sound the way he wants to sound and pursue only the projects that really interest him. In late 1997, Russell released his first solo album, "Lowdown World." Rooted in gritty American folk lyrics, "Lowdown World" was minimally produced, showcasing Russell's songwriting talent. He's planning to release a second solo album this year, an "experimental, instrumental funk" project, which has been picked up by Portland's Cravedog label.

As if a solo career weren't enough to keep him busy, Russell has established a reputation as a top local producer. He's collaborated with a number of up-and-coming local artists, influencing and supporting their work. Russell produced Fernando Viciconte's Latin-rock album, "Pacoima," as well as Warren Pash's latest release, "Parts Unknown," both released last year. He has also begun production work for the third release of the alternative-country group Richmond Fontaine.

"I'm just horny to play," says Russell with a grin. "I've had enough of playing solo and producing for now." Eager to perform with a band again, Russell is prepared to give Federale his focus. On Saturday the band expects to just have fun with the show and feel out the crowd's response to a lineup of short, concise pop songs.

In their first recording session last November, band members found their diverse backgrounds blended well. "We refine each other's influences and the result is a stripped-down, simplified sound," Russell says. They hope that somewhere in their material lurks a solid single.

But while the band is counting on its straight-up pop sound to have mass appeal, the lyrics retain an edge and complexity. Playing on universal themes of friendship, love, and death, they say their songs can be interpreted a number of ways. "The best music is the kind that every time you listen to it, you peel away layers and discover something new," Ford says. He sites such influences as Wilco, the Byrds and, of course, Neil Young.