Under The Beams: Catherine Russell & Sean Mason

An evening of Jazz with Catherine Russell, vocals, & Sean Mason, piano 

Catherine Russell’s true delights come from that amazing voice, comfortable in any setting, from blues to swing to Broadway and beyond. Cat delights with her musical archeological skills, searching and searching for those nuggets for us to enjoy. Many have seen and heard Catherine do it, on record with her group, in concert with The Jazz At Lincoln Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, captured live at Levon Helm’s barn with The Black Italians.

Here, her muse is pianist Sean Mason, himself showing casual comfort and skillful appeal, as just the two of them explore tunes familiar to Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Peggy Lee and more. It’s here you’ll see the best things happen as you delight in the listening.

Quotes:

“A voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the Garden of Eden”   -NPR

Catherine Russell’s voice is so fine and her vocal style so accomplished that I want to believe that this is how Bessie Smith sounded live.

Russell comes by it all honestly. Her father, Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist / composer / bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a ground-breaking vocalist / guitarist / bassist who performed with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. That is a potent family tree. The singer made a name for herself with her debut, Cat (Dot Time Records, 2009), fully consolidating her position as preeminent jazz vocalist with Bring It Back (Dot Time Records, 2014), Alone Together (Dot Time Records, 2019), and Send For Me (Dot Time Records, 2022).

Russell meets a soulmate in pianist Sean Mason, whose musical palate aligns closely with her own. Together on My Ideal, they make a rarified recording of old songs where the pair blow kisses in all directions. Singer and pianist open the recital with James P. Johnson and Andy Razaf’s 1930 “A Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid” It is a splendid wink at both Johnson and Fats Waller. Later, the wink turns into a full bow to Waller with sexy and sassy performances of his “You Stayed Away Too Long” and “Ain’t Got Nobody To Grind My Coffee.”

Not content to remain prewar, the two take on Ray Charles and his gospel-infused rhythm and blues of “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “Ain’t That Love.” The two glance off of Nat King Cole’s “You Can Depend On Me” en route to Bing Crosby’s “On The Sentimental Side” and Frank Sinatra’s “South To A Warmer Place.” Mason shows an impressive aptitude for whatever genre in which he finds himself. The synergy between Russell and Mason reaches eclipse on two numbers associated with Peggy Lee, “Waitin’ For The Train To Come In” and the title piece.

My Ideal is an echo informed by other duet recordings like Ella Fitzgerald’s Gershwin recordings with Ellis Larkins, Tony Bennett’s collaborations with Bill Evans, and Nina Simone’s Nina Simone and Piano. Both intimate and wide open, Catherine Russell and Sean Mason make My Ideal an engrossing and entertaining recording by any measure.

Meet the Musicians…

Catherine Russell

Vocalist Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist / composer / bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, the late Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist / guitarist / bassist who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. Catherine’s professional life began early. After graduating with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she toured and recorded with Carrie Smith, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Levon Helm, Toshi Reagon and Rosanne Cash, among others, appearing on over 200 albums.

Her 2006 debut album Cat, (World Village/Harmonia Mundi), garnered rave reviews, paving the way for her 2008 sophomore release, Sentimental Streak.  Catherine was a guest on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, PBS-TV’s “Tavis Smiley Show”, and NPR’s “Fresh Air”, “Piano Jazz”, “Mountain Stage”, “World Café”, and “Jazz Night in America.” She has won a prestigious German Record Critics’ Award and a Living Blues magazine critics’ poll. Catherine Russell’s third album, Inside This Heart of Mine, reached #1 on JazzWeek and Roots Music Report radio charts, while also charting on Billboard and reaching #1 on ITunes jazz charts. A fourth album, Strictly Romancin’ was released in February 2012, and was awarded Prix du Jazz Vocal (Vocal Album of The Year) by the French Jazz Academy, Grand Prix du Hot Club de France, and a Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording. Also in 2012, Catherine Russell received a Grammy® Award as a featured artist on the soundtrack album for the HBO-TV series, Boardwalk Empire.

“ … a voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the Garden of Eden.”  – NPR

In 2013, Catherine contributed 3 songs to the soundtrack of the film, Kill Your Darlings. Her 5th solo album, Bring It Back, was released worldwide in February of 2014 on the Jazz Village label, receiving a ★★★★★ 5 Star Review in Downbeat Magazine. In September 2016, Catherine Russell released her 6th solo album, titled Harlem On My Mind, featuring songs from the Great African American Songbook, receiving a Grammy® Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Her 7th album as a leader, Alone Together, was released in March 2019 on Dot Time Records, held the #1 position on the JazzWeek 2019 Year End chart for national airplay and received her second Grammy® Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Also in 2019, Catherine appeared in the feature film Bolden, and contributed vocals to the soundtrack album by Wynton Marsalis. She appears as featured vocalist on three tracks on Big Band Holidays II, accompanied by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

In 2022, Catherine Russell released Send For Me, her 8th album as a leader, receiving rave reviews in national media outlets; The Wall Street Journal, Relix, No Depression, JazzTimes, WBGO, Pop Matters, and others, while also performing a concert for NPR Tiny Desk (Home).

With universal acclaim, Catherine Russell has performed on four continents. She’s been a hit at major Jazz Festivals including Monterey, Newport, North Sea, JazzAscona, Montreal, Bern, Rochester International, Panama, Tanglewood, and at sold out venues like The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Scullers in Boston, The Dakota in Minneapolis, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC, SFJazz in San Francisco, and Pasadena Pops in Los Angeles. All Music Guide says, “Russell emerged as a retro old school vocalist for the ages.”

Her repertoire features a selection of gems from the 1920s through the Present; vital interpretations, bursting with soul and humor. With an off-the-beaten-path song selection, sparkling acoustic swing, and a stunning vocal approach, Catherine Russell has joined the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Song.

Sean Mason

Sean Mason, renowned for his innovative approach and versatile musical expression, has established himself as a prominent figure in jazz. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, he is celebrated for both his original compositions and his masterful interpretations that meld the intricacies of jazz with diverse musical elements, showcasing a remarkable breadth of style.

Mason’s debut album, The Southern Suite, released on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s in-house label, Blue Engine Records, highlights his exceptional skill as both a pianist and composer with a wide- ranging musical vision. This album features an all-star cast of musicians, most of whom he befriended during his studies at The Juilliard School in New York City—Chris Lewis (tenor saxophone), Tony Glausi (trumpet), Felix Moseholm (bass), and Domo Branch (drums). The Southern Suite is lauded for its deep roots in jazz tradition while embracing a contemporary sensibility, captivating a broad audience. It has garnered critical acclaim and rave reviews from esteemed media outlets such as NPR, Downbeat, and many others.

Throughout his career, Mason has collaborated and worked with a multitude of distinguished artists, ensembles, and organizations, spanning many genres and generations. He has performed or recorded with jazz legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis (including the Netflix soundtracks Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Rustin), Christian McBride, and Dave Liebman, as well as contemporary artists such as Masego. In leadership roles, Sean served as the music director for many organizations and productions, including The Jazz Continuum, founded by Latasha Barnes (which garnered him a Bessie Award in 2023 alongside Charles Turner III), and The Soapbox Presents, founded by Marija Abney (in which he served as music director featuring a diverse range of artists, from local community talents to stars such as Babyface). Additionally, Sean has worked in various musical roles in Broadway productions such as Hadestown, Phantom of the Opera, and other Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Mason’s ability to blend traditional jazz with modern elements sets him apart as a unique voice in the jazz world, cementing him as one of the most in-demand pianists, composers, and music directors worldwide.

“Mason’s music is….   exceptionally groovy”    – NPR

One of Mason’s most notable recent projects, CHROME VALLEY, is a magical collaboration with world-renowned poet, author, and Lincoln Center’s inaugural poet-in-residence, Mahogany L. Browne. This album showcases Sean as both a composer and record producer, and has garnered critical acclaim from NPR, ABC News, and many other media outlets.

In addition to his performing and recording achievements, Mason is a dedicated educator and mentor. He conducts workshops and masterclasses around the globe, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for jazz with aspiring musicians. His down-to-earth and practical style of teaching has led to a strong following from high school, college, and adult students alike. Sean’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists is evident in his unwavering belief that it is necessary to develop a keen respect for the roots of jazz while maintaining an open, yet discerning ear about contemporary music.

As a touring artist, Sean leads the Sean Mason Quartet, an ensemble celebrated for its dynamic performances and innovative arrangements, which seamlessly blend the rich traditions of jazz with modern influences. Each member of the quartet brings exceptional talent and a unique musical voice, contributing to the group’s cohesive yet adventurous sound. Their repertoire, both original compositions by Sean and traditional jazz selections spanning from the 1920s to the present, captivates audiences and critics alike, establishing the Sean Mason Quartet as a formidable force in the jazz world. Through their performances, they not only honor the legacy of jazz but also push its boundaries, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on the genre.

Sean Mason’s journey in jazz is a testament to his exceptional talent and vision. As he forges ahead, his contributions to the genre will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark, inspiring musicians and audiences alike with his unparalleled artistry and commitment to the evolution of jazz.

Sean Mason is proud to be a distinguished Steinway Artist.

*Season tickets on sale now through Dec 15*        *Single seats available starting Dec 16*

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