THE HANGOVER REPORT – The great CATHERINE RUSSELL returns to Birdland Jazz Club, regally holding court

Catherine Russell performs at Birdland Jazz Club (photo by Adrian Dimanlig).

Last week, Birdland Jazz Club welcomed back the great Catherine Russell for a weeklong residency. Anyone who has seen this artist knows that she’s the real deal — a vocalist who not only emulates an era of jazz singing, but outright embodies it (this isn’t surprising given that her father Luis Russell was Louis Armstrong’s regular music director and her mother Carline Ray a pioneering jazz musician in her own right).

At this point in her illustrious career, Russell shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by her performance at Friday’s late set at the iconic Midtown jazz venue. Indeed, the evening I attended, Russell held court regally, flawlessly displaying her artistry throughout. Her voice continues to be in terrific shape — it’s a sturdy instrument that swings with authority and impeccable style — and she certainly knows her way around a song. For more than an hour, she effortlessly crooned through an expertly-curated set of jazz standards with the confidence of a seasoned professional still at the peak of their power (highlights included winning renditions of Louis Jordan and Billy Austin’s “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” and a selection of Ray Charles tunes).

During last week’s Birdland residency (five nights, ten shows), Russell was superbly supported by frequent collaborators Ben Paterson on piano, Matt Munisteri on guitar, Tal Ronen on bass, and Mark McLean on drums. Suffice to say, the knowledgable late night audience responded with enthusiastic ovations. Russell’s show wasn’t only jazz entertainment of the highest caliber, it was also a masterclass in the form.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

CATHERINE RUSSELL
Jazz / Cabaret
Birdland Jazz Club
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Closed

Categories: Cabaret, Music, Other Music

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