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About
A Voice from the Heart of American Song
Vocalist Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker born into musical royalty—and she carries that legacy forward with joy, depth, and irresistible swing.
Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist, composer, bandleader, and longtime musical director for Louis Armstrong. Her mother, the late Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist, guitarist, and bassist who performed with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. Steeped in this extraordinary lineage, Catherine Russell brings an authenticity to American song that is both deeply rooted and entirely her own.
After graduating with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Russell built an astonishing career as a sought-after vocalist, touring and recording with artists including Steely Dan, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Levon Helm, Michael Feinstein, Rosanne Cash, and many more—appearing on over 200 albums.
Since stepping forward as a leader, Russell has earned universal acclaim. Her albums have topped JazzWeek, Roots Music Report, and iTunes Jazz charts, reached Billboard rankings, and garnered multiple GRAMMY nominations, international awards, and a GRAND PRIX du Jazz Vocal from the French Jazz Academy. Her recordings have received raves from DownBeat, The Wall Street Journal, JazzTimes, Relix, No Depression, and beyond, with AllMusic declaring her “a retro old-school vocalist for the ages.”
Her 2022 release, Send For Me, continued this remarkable run and was followed by a widely celebrated NPR Tiny Desk (Home) concert.
Catherine Russell’s most recent release, My Ideal (Dot Time Records), is an intimate collection of voice-and-piano duets recorded with pianist Sean Mason. Released in August 2024, the album strips each song to its emotional core, highlighting Russell’s phrasing, swing, and storytelling mastery. My Ideal earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Russell's repertoire draws from the Great American Songbook and beyond, spanning the 1920s to the present. With sparkling acoustic swing, off-the-beaten-path song choices, and a vocal approach bursting with soul, wit, and warmth, she brings these songs vividly to life—honoring their history while making them feel immediate.
We’re thrilled to welcome Catherine Russell to the Caffè Lena stage for an evening of timeless songs, joyful swing, and world-class jazz artistry.
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