| Jazz |
It’s been a long time since I’ve admired Catherine Russell, but this is the first time I’ve had the chance to write a few lines about one of her projects. My admiration stems from her raw and uncompromising voice, which gives her a level of authenticity that no one can deny. If you’re not convinced, listen to the song “I Don’t Need No Doctor” — soul, blues, jazz — Catherine Russell is perfect in all genres because, beyond her vocal technique, she has the ability to be one of the most wonderful interpreters of today. And as if that weren’t enough, we must also highlight her humanity and the kindness she shows toward her collaborators. Here’s what she says about her pianist Sean Mason: “Singing with the great pianist Sean Mason allows for fun and being in the moment. We understand each other,” says Catherine Russell. This synergy is palpable throughout *My Ideal*, as the duo effortlessly blends their talents to create a captivating musical experience. *My Ideal* tells the story of the art of jazz, from the early days of music with tributes to James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, to the intersection of jazz and popular music with tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. The duo skillfully infuses each piece with nuanced authenticity, sincerity, and originality.
This album is also a kind of homage to various artists. “South To A Warmer Place” — a nuanced interpretation of a song popularized by Frank Sinatra, highlighting Russell’s subtle humor. *My Ideal* stands alongside legendary voice-piano duet albums such as *Ella Sings Gershwin* by Ella Fitzgerald with Ellis Larkins, Tony Bennett’s collaborations with Bill Evans, and *Nina Simone and Piano* by Nina Simone, with a gently retro feel — a voice/piano or piano/voice duo, as both talents are simply fascinating. Even if this album is not Catherine Russell’s most creative work, it has the gift of making us appreciate her great qualities as a vocalist, delicately accompanied by Sean Mason. With a nice progression of tracks, these two artists don’t let us linger too long in one universe, and that’s a good thing, as this duo, in my view, is a real treat for both small venues and large festivals. It just goes to show that it’s not always necessary to have a big orchestra to accompany an artist when the talent is there — anything is possible!
Daughter of jazz pioneer Luis Russell and the great singer-guitarist-bassist Carline Ray, Catherine Russell has deep musical roots. She has appeared on over 200 albums, and since her debut as a bandleader in 2006, she has consistently gained international recognition. She has been nominated twice for GRAMMY awards in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category, notably in 2016 for *Harlem On My Mind* and in 2019 for *Alone Together*. Her versatility and mastery have led her to perform and record with a range of diverse artists, including David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Levon Helm, Carrie Smith, Toshi Reagon, Rosanne Cash, and most notably Steely Dan, of which she is a current member.
So, I think you’ll agree with me in awarding this sumptuous and minimalist album our famous “Indispensable” label…
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 28th 2024
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