2022 release. Send For Me is a follow up to Russell's 2019 release Alone Together, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and landed on the JazzWeek year-end radio chart as the #1 most played album. Send For Me features a baker's dozen of newly recorded tunes on her eighth album as a leader, meeting a simple exacting standard. "Songs that inspire or touch me in some way. When I find a song I like, it haunts me until I learn it." Her mission is finding songs that you might not have heard but deserve attention. Russell's deep connection to her chosen material is part of a calling. As the daughter of pioneering and legendary musicians, pianist/orchestra leader/composer/arranger Luis Russell, and bassist/guitarist/vocalist Carline Ray, Catherine Russell was born into jazz royalty. In culling material for her new album from the likes of Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Luis Russell, Betty Carter, Kay Starr, Joe Liggins, Earl King, Jack Teagarden, Helen Humes, Frank Sinatra, Dakota Staton, Henry Red Allen, and Louis Armstrong, the vocalist swims in familiar waters. She sings a language that comes naturally, furthering a profound legacy.
2024 release. Dot Time Records is thrilled to announce the release of My Ideal, a breathtaking album from acclaimed Grammy-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell and prodigious pianist Sean Mason. This modern classic marks a significant milestone in both artists' careers, capturing a powerful and intimate musical dialogue. My Ideal is a very special project even in the very rarified strata where Catherine works; this is not only her first complete set of voice-and-piano duets, but her partner on this project is a remarkable piano prodigy whose technical skill is only rivaled by his soulfulness. This collaboration represents a unique convergence of experience and youthful virtuosity, offering a fresh yet timeless sound. "Singing with the great pianist Sean Mason allows for the freedom to have fun and be in the moment. We understand each other," says Catherine Russell. This synergy is palpable throughout My Ideal, as the duo effortlessly blend their talents to create a compelling musical experience. My Ideal tells the history of the jazz art form, from the early beginnings of the music with homages to James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, to the confluence of jazz and popular music with tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. The adept duo imbue each piece with nuanced authenticity, sincerity and originality.
Vinyl LP pressing. 2024 release. Dot Time Records is thrilled to announce the release of My Ideal, a breathtaking album from acclaimed Grammy-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell and prodigious pianist Sean Mason. This modern classic marks a significant milestone in both artists' careers, capturing a powerful and intimate musical dialogue. My Ideal is a very special project even in the very rarified strata where Catherine works; this is not only her first complete set of voice-and-piano duets, but her partner on this project is a remarkable piano prodigy whose technical skill is only rivaled by his soulfulness. This collaboration represents a unique convergence of experience and youthful virtuosity, offering a fresh yet timeless sound. "Singing with the great pianist Sean Mason allows for the freedom to have fun and be in the moment. We understand each other," says Catherine Russell. This synergy is palpable throughout My Ideal, as the duo effortlessly blend their talents to create a compelling musical experience. My Ideal tells the history of the jazz art form, from the early beginnings of the music with homages to James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, to the confluence of jazz and popular music with tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. The adept duo imbue each piece with nuanced authenticity, sincerity and originality.
SHEILA JORDAN / PORTRAIT NOW At 96 years of age, jazz legend Sheila Jordan is set to literally outdo herself. On Feb 14, preeminent jazz label Dot Time Records will release a new long player, Portrait Now, a title inspired by Portrait of Sheila, Jordan's first album for Blue Note Records, released in 1962. The current trio featuring Jordan on vocals, Roni Ben-Hur on guitar and Harvie S on bass, has been performing regularly for a few years. Their undeniable chemistry rendered imminent a new recording project.
