Artist: Catherine Russell
Album: Alone Together
Label: Dot Time Records
Release Date: 03.1.2019
Swing music has always made Americans feel invincible, as if we could survive war or peace, with or without love. Swinging supremely through her seventh solo album, Catherine Russell sings fresh life into 13 classic tunes that ask timeless questions. She makes the lyrics sound like they just popped into her head. Opening with the title tune (by Dietz and Schwartz), Russell captures the sultry, jaunty joy of brand‑new love.
“Blues infused jazz tunes are the ones I gravitate towards, because they enable me to freely express myself in the moment,” she states. “Louis Jordan to me is pure fun, comical, bluesy and rhythmic. The rhythm & blues era reminds me of having a good time with people.” She’s the daughter of the late Luis Russell, Louis Armstrong’s bandleader but there’s more than a pedigree at work here. Like the songwriters of her favorite eras, she’s got wit, moxie, vulnerability and optimism. Combining two Louis Jordan standards in one story, she asks where is the man who stood her up (“Early In The Morning”).The band’s got her back, including Mark Shane’s bristly, persistent piano and Evan Arntzen’s cranky tenor sax. Finding him, she must know, “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby.” Her forthright style, lightly seasoned with horns and tinkling piano, could win over any lover.
When she tells off a liar in front of the whole band in “You Can’t Pull The Wool Over My Eyes,” she sparkles with dignity and indignation. The core of Russell’s touring band is featured: guitarist and musical director Matt Munisteri, pianist Mark Shane, bassist Tal Ronen, and drummer Mark McLean. Standouts include: “How Deep Is The Ocean” and “When Did You Leave Heaven.”
– Annie Dinerman
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