Catherine Russell's third album is definitely a throwback to vintage jazz, and honors her father Luis Russell, a premier big-band leader and music director for Louis Armstrong. It's a collection of old-time swing, slinky do-right blues, and reflective music that shows how much she's steeped in the tradition of classic African-American music. Considerable help is utilized from backup musicians like pianist Mark Shane, Matt Munisteri on guitar or banjo, and a horn section with trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist John Allred, and veteran tuba master Howard Johnson on select tracks. Russell's light yet strong voice is clear as a bell, her pleasant singing tinged with a bit of sly knowledge and a hint of bluesy regret. Vintage material suits her persona quite well as on the old-timey J.C. Johnson/Fats Waller-penned title track taking sweetness out of gloom, the downhearted "Troubled Waters," or the low-down "Spoonful"; Armstrong's cakewalkin' "Struttin' with Some Barbeque"; and the great jump blues tune "Quiet Whiskey" from Wynonie Harris. Then there's "We the People," a declaration of freedom that works well in the contemporary Obama era, and a wary cautionary tale, "Just Because You Can," telling those who flaunt their power or persona to be careful about what you wish for. Every track provides delight and surprise, as all great jazz should, while Russell's blues side keeps not only the swinging in check, but assures you the singer has led this life of ups and downs to the hilt. It's an extraordinary recording, and highly recommended for a wide audience.
by Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist:
1
Inside This Heart of Mine 3:08
J.C. Johnson / Fats Waller
2
All the Cats Join In 3:38
Ray Gilbert / Eddie Sauter / Alec Wilder
3
We the People 2:51
Joseph M. Davis / Paul Denniker / Andy Razaf
4
Troubled Waters 4:32
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
5
As Long as I Live 3:33
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
6
November 3:50
Paul Kahn
7
Just Because You Can 4:09
Rachelle Garniez
8
Long, Strong and Consecutive 3:59
Mack David / Duke Ellington
9
Close Your Eyes 2:59
Bernice Petkere
10
Quiet Whiskey 3:00
Henry Glover / Wynonie Harris / Robert Charles Schell / Fred Weismantel
11
Spoonful 3:35
Willie Dixon
12
Slow as Molasses 4:43
Rachelle Garniez / Spencer Williams
13
Struttin' with Some Barbeque 3:19
Lil Hardin Armstrong / Don Raye
Credits
Accordion – Rachelle Garniez
(tracks: 6)
Acoustic Bass – Lee Hudson
(tracks: 1 to 5, 8 to 10, 13), Neal Miner
(tracks: 6, 7)
Banjo – Matt Munisteri
(tracks: 7, 11, 12)
Clarinet – Dan Block
(tracks: 3, 12, 13)
Drums – Brian Grice
(tracks: 1 to 4, 8, 13), Rob Garcia
(tracks: 11, 12)
Guitar – Matt Munisteri
(tracks: 1 to 10, 13)
Piano – Mark Shane
(tracks: 1 to 5, 8 to 10, 13)
Saxophone – Dan Block
(tracks: 1 to 3)
Trombone – John Allred
(tracks: 1 to 3, 12, 13)
Trumpet – Jon-Erik Kellso
(tracks: 1 to 4, 12, 13)
Tuba – Howard Johnson
(tracks: 11, 12)
Violin – Sara Caswell
(tracks: 6, 7)
Vocals – Catherine Russell
