Catherine Russell’s busy worldwide tour schedule in support of 2022’s Send For Me and her dates as a long-term band member of Steely Dan haven’t kept the stellar vocalist out of the studio. She returns this week with a duo album featuring prodigy Sean Mason, My Ideal.
The LP marks a shift from Russell’s recent efforts with its stripped-down approach. Relying solely on Mason’s piano, My Ideal seamlessly navigates pop and jazz standards while adding nuance and style to each.
“A Porter’s Love Song” is a perfect start to the album. Both soulful and sassy, Catherine Russell’s voice brings out the playfulness of the song. At the same time, Mason’s touch on the piano reflects an understanding of the African-American classic, which one would not think a 25-year-old like Mason would understand.
The Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson and Jo Armstead classic “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” popularized by Ray Charles, touches on both the original by Ashford and the hit by Charles. The arrangement adds new dimensions to the classic with its jaunty blues feel and passionate vocals. The title track offers a fascinating contrast with Sean Mason’s jazzy runs and expressive phrasing. Russell gives hints of Nina Simone, yet her interpretation is original. “My Ideal” is a reminder of why she is a preeminent jazz vocalist and a go-to session singer.
“You Stayed Away Too Longing” is a bouncy, earnest interpretation of the Fats Waller masterpiece. Mason again adds his fascinating interpretation of the classic tasting, conjoining New Orleans in all its glory. “Ain’t That Love,” originally from Ray Charles’ 1957 debut, benefits from the duo arrangement. Not a note is wasted, as Mason’s piano adds sass and power, matched by Russell’s stunning vocal delivery.
“Ain’t Got Nobody to Grind My Coffee” is an amusingly satisfying take on a song popularized by Fats Waller. Russell’s delivery reminds you of her keen insight as a musical historian. Not that she doesn’t make the song her own. Russell and Mason’s interpretation of the song conjures the feel of a smoky jazz club where stellar artists compete with the clinking of glasses and the smoke. Mason’s solo is epic in scope, and Russell’s last chorus matches its intensity.
“South to a Warmer Place” offers a different approach to the preceding song, the jumping “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.” The song simmers with a melodic piano passage and wand-building verses from Russell. The song, made famous by Frank Sinatra, seems to gain intensity in the hands of Mason and Russell. Furthermore, Mason’s solo conjures the feel of an entire band yet is passionately intimate.
Upon reaching the final song “Waitin’ for the Train to Come In,” you realize that two compelling artists have taken you on a stunning 11-song odyssey. Catherine Russell and Sean Mason’s My Ideal is a delight.
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