Catherine Russell at Mass MoCA February 18
Jazz Singer to Appear in the Hunter Center
By: MoCA - Jan 16, 2012
Catherine Russell, who has earned comparisons to jazz icons such as Ella Fitzgerald and Bessie Smith, will share her soulful blues on Saturday, February 18, at 8pm in MASS MoCA's Hunter Center in a concert sponsored by Amtrak. Hailed for her timeless jazz croon, Russell is known for rediscovering and reinterpreting jazz classics, as well as delivering what are destined to become classics. The Portland Tribune says, "the kind of deep, true blue that emanates from her rich, timeless voice is absolutely the real deal...classy, lusty, pure, and undeniably golden."
The daughter of Luis Russell, Louis Armstrong's musical director, and Carlene Ray, member of International Sweethearts of Rhythm, music was a strong component of Russell's upbringing. Growing up in New York, her mother exposed her to musical greats such as Alberta Hunter and Leontyne Price in concert. Beginning her own musical career singing the blues in New York Jazz clubs, Russell went on to sing backup for artists such as Al Green, Paul Simon, Rosanne Cash, Isaac Hayes, and David Bowie.
After decades as a powerful back-up singer, Russell decided to make a name for herself as a soloist and has since released three full-length albums - Cat, Sentimental Streak, and This Heart of Mine. Her debut, Cat, was selected as one of NPR's top 5 Jazz Albums of 2006, and both Sentimental Streak and This Heart of Mine climbed the JazzWeek and Billboard's Jazz Charts. Russell has performed at festivals across the globe including Tanglewood Jazz, Bern International Jazz, Chicago Blues, and Panama Jazz. She appeared at MASS MoCA in 2007 to a sold out show in Club B-10.
As a soloist, Russell digs into the history of jazz and blues, including interpretations of iconic songs from 1920s, the post World War II era, and present-day favorites. The Philadelphia Inquirer calls her "a masterful singer who knows how to inject her own personality into the heart of a great song." Not only an expert vocalist, Russell has also performed on keyboard, guitar, mandolin and percussion.
Russell will perform on Saturday, February 18 at 8 PM in MASS MoCA's Hunter Center. Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 day of show, and $10 for students. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11AM - 5 PM, closed Tuesdays. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased online at www.massmoca.org.