Catherine Russell – Sentimental Streak – World Village

by | Feb 22, 2008 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Catherine Russell – Sentimental Streak – World Village 468075, 47:05 **** {Distr. by Harmonia mundi]:

in her second big-time CD, vocalist Russell scores a swinging success in the style of lusty, big-hearted blues and jazz women such as Bessie Smith, Pearl Bailey and Ella.  Her dozen-piece backing band should be credited for half of the success – it includes Steve Bernstein on cornet and trumpet and two pianists: Mark Shane and Larry Ham. Among the unexpected instruments that give the arrangements some great personality are pedal steel guitar, accordion, banjo and tuba.

Catherine’s father played in some of the top New Orleans bands, and the note booklet has stills from a home movie made when Louis Armstrong visited their home when she was age 4 and picked her up (she doesn’t seem to appreciate the honor).  This singer not only has the gutsy delivery but also sings totally on-key and with delicious phrasing and attention to the lyrics.  Look over those song titles below for a preview of how attractively different this is from most vocalists’ programs.  With so many so-so female jazz vocalist CDs coming across my desk, releases such as Catherine’s are a huge treat!

TrackList: So Little Time So Much to Do; I’m Lazy, That’s All; Kitchen Man; Oh Yes, Take Another Guess; New Orleans; My Old Daddy’s Got a Brand New Way to Love; South to a Warmer Place; Thrill Me; You Better Watch Yourself, Bub; I’ve Got That Thing; I Don’t Care Who Knows; Broken Nose; Luci; You for Me, Me For You.

 – John Henry

 

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