Recent Blog Posts
Cat Russell on NPR's World Cafe today!
post a comment | posted Aug 5
"Catherine Russell embodies a voice so versatile, she transcends genres with each song. Showcasing a repertoire of blues, jazz, swing and R&B, Russell's new album Sentimental Streak is both powerful and vulnerable. Daughter of legendary pianist Luis Russell and bassist/vocalist Carline Ray, Catherine Russell continues the family's musical legacy by shining an unexpected light on standards and originals alike. Emotionally genuine and seemingly effortless, Sentimental Streak finds Russell infusing the material with a modern, sultry flair of her own."
San Francisco Chronicle feature: "Going Solo"
post a comment | posted Jul 18
"During her more than two decades as one of the most in-demand backup singers in the pop music business, Catherine Russell has on occasion been afforded the opportunity to "step out," a term that refers to a harmony vocalist being given a brief solo, usually at the end of a tune. Donald Fagan asked her do it on his second CD. Cyndi Lauper and David Bowie not only allowed her to step out during tours but also had her play piano, guitar and mandolin with their bands."
Sacramento Bee feature "All Her Jazz"
post a comment | posted Jul 18
"Catherine Russell comes from another time. Her voice, smoky, sexy and smooth, is perfect for old-time swing and jazz tunes. She's got the affection - and the pedigree - for the music."
Not-So-Recent Blog Posts
Yoshi show preview in Mercury News: "Sass and swagger"
post a comment | posted Jul 17
"If you like the classy vocals of Norah Jones and Diana Krall but want a bit more sass and swagger in there, try Catherine Russell at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Yoshi's, 1330 Fillmore St., San Francisco. Russell's got it in her blood - her father, Luis, was Louis Armstrong's musical director in the '30s. After years of singing backup to the likes of Paul Simon and David Bowie, she's now making her own fine recordings, such as this year's "Sentimental Streak."
Montreal Gazette live review: "a highly-energetic set of jazz and blues"
post a comment | posted Jul 10
"In a highly-energetic set of jazz and blues, heavy on material from the 1920s and 1930s, Russell pretty much played to the back rows and pulled it off. And how can you not love someone who seems equally at home with Fats Waller's The Joint is Jumpin' and the Grateful Dead's New Speedway Boogie?"
"Sentimental Streak" breaks onto the Billboard Jazz Chart!
post a comment | posted Jun 26
Catherine Russell's Sentimental Streak is #20 on the Billboard Jazz Chart!
"Sentimental Streak" is #3 on iTunes and #8 on Amazon!
post a comment | posted Jun 12
Catherine Russell's Sentimental Streak is currently #3 on iTunes' Top Jazz Albums, as well as #8 on Amazon, with her debut album Cat at #24 on iTunes.
Catherine Russell's "Fresh Air" Episode Airs 6/11!
post a comment | posted Jun 10
Tune in to NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross tomorrow, June 11th, to hear Catherine Russell in the opening segment!
"Sentimental Streak" at 17 weeks on the Jazz Charts
post a comment | posted Jun 3
Catherine Russell's latest album Sentimental Streak, which hit stores February 12th, debuted at #43 on the Jazz Charts and moved to #49 in March, peaking at #40. The album is now back on the charts this month (in June), at #44, making it 17 weeks so far on the chart!
Catherine Russell in The Birmingham Post
post a comment | posted May 30
"While many modern jazz singers are exploring non-jazz material from rock, blues and folk sources, no one else seems to be exploring quite the same ground as Catherine Russell."