Vocalist Catherine Russell brings what the New York Times calls “wistful, sultry rhythm and blues” to Tryon Fine Arts Center on Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m. Backing up Russell’s award winning vocals will be the Catherine Russell Trio consisting of Mark Shane – piano, Chris Flory – guitar, and Tal Ronen – bass.
Russell, “a masterful singer who knows how to inject her personality into the heart of a great song,” according to the Philadelphia Enquirer, is an awarding winning vocalist who grew up in jazz, and boasts a vast scope of musical experience.

Her father, Luis Russell was a legendary pianist and bandleader, as well as Louis Armstrong’s longtime collaborator and musical director. Her mother, Carla Ray, a pioneering bassist/guitarist/vocalist with advanced degrees from Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, raised Catherine Russell to appreciate all genres of music.
After graduating with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Russell spent many years honing her craft as one of the strongest and most versatile backup singers in pop and rock, working with various artists including Paul Simon, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Roseanne Cash, Cyndi Lauper and Jackson Browne.
In the last few years, however, Russell has come into her own, taking a career of vast musical range and establishing herself as a premier interpreter of the classics of jazz, swing and R&B. Her 2006 debut album, “Cat” garnered rave reviews, paving the way for her 2008 release, “Sentimental Streak.” Her 2010 album, “Inside This Heart of Mine” reached number 1 on JazzWeek, Roots Music Report and itunes Jazz Charts. “Strictly Romancin” released in February 2012, topped the jazz charts and earned her the Prix du Jazz Vocal from L’Acadamie du Jazz and the Grand Prix du Hot Club de France. Her most recent album “Bring it Back”, released in February of 2014, has hit the top of traditional and contemporary jazz charts across the country.

Although compared to vocal greats such as Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and Mamie Smith, Russell is a completely fresh and new voice, bringing her own personal stamp to the 20th Century classic musical genres of jazz, swing and R&B. Russell stated in a recent interview, “Nobody in the band is copying anyone, they all have their own styles and forms of expression. The whole thing we’re trying to do is find ourselves in this music. I won’t be Ella, Dinah, Sarah, Peggy. I won’t be them. So I have to find my own way to tell these stories.”
Catherine Russell is part of Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Main Stage Series, sponsored by Millard & Company. The event is sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council. WNCW is the media sponsor. Tickets are available by calling 828-859-8322 or online at www.tryonarts.org.

– article submitted
by Marianne Carruth