(Reprinted from the August 2024 edition of New York City Jazz Record. Photo: Dot Time Records)
Leader and singer Catherine Russell first worked with uber-talented pianist Sean Mason on her 2022 release for Dot Time Records, Send For Me. This wonderful album was a big affair, with horns and reeds and hand percussion complementing Russell’s superlative vocal performance. For her latest project with Mason, though, she’s opting for the most reduced of settings—just voice and piano. This record, My Ideal (also on Dot Time), represents Russell’s first complete foray into voice-piano duets.
It’s a marvel to hear Russell’s impeccable phrasing so exposed on the album’s 10 tunes, each one a stepping stone through jazz history—from her tongue-in-cheek take on “Porter’s Love Song”, through her restrained wail on Ray Charles’ “I Don’t Need No Doctor”, to her poised rendering of the Irving Berlin classic, “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”. Mason matches Russell in versatility and imagination, especially with his subtle reharmonizations on the title track, deft soloing on the Louis Armstrong hit “You Can Depend On Me”, and captivating melodic exposition on “South To A Warmer Place”.
Though My Ideal is available this month (Aug. 23), the closest stage to hear Russell live is at Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown (Aug. 6). But check this space next month for info on her upcoming Birdland run.
A one-time substitution on a London booking led to a new record for UK-based singer/lyricist Norma Winstone—her first release for ECM in six years. She and pianist Kit Downes first met when he covered a gig for her regular pianist; on the bandstand the two discovered a unique musical synergy. From that shared vision grew Outpost of Dreams, 10 mostly new compositions that use music by Downes (and others) as the jumping-off point for Winstone’s impressionistic, poetic lyrics. It’s a superb listen. Serendipitously, it’s not Winstone’s only ECM duo offering this year: The MBE recipient has already recorded her next album for the label, this time applying her wordcraft to compositions by bassist Steve Swallow.
Nothing conjures images of sultry summer nights more than vocals floating atop a thrumming guitar. Just released, Pepito y Paco (BMG/ Paco de Lucía Foundation) resurrects the earliest recordings of the famed flamenco duo of singer Pepe de Lucía and guitarist Paco de Lucía (1947-2014), two brothers from the Algeciras region of Spain. The album’s 21 tracks, AI-restored and never heard before, not only recall the flamenco traditions of the mid-20th century but reveal how jazz and classical music influenced these historic musicians—and, in turn, the musicians they inspired.
More locally, singer/guitarist Raul Midón blends what he calls “smooth folk, alt-pop and jazz” on Lost & Found (Rekondite Rekords), which dropped last month. Midón is an engaging and engaged singer, able to conjure a spectrum of moods with his commanding voice—a skill that has led to a proliferation of collaborations (most famously, a duet with Alex Cuba on the latter’s 2021 Grammy-winning album Mendo on Caracol Records). Midón will officially introduce Lost & Found at Joe’s Pub (Aug. 23).
Brazilian guitarist/singer Sergio Pereira brings selections from his 2024 record BOSSA+ (Tiger Turn) to The Jazz Forum (Aug 4). It promises to be “an immersive experience,” in the “fusion of bossa nova with other Brazilian rhythms, all while being infused with the improvisational spirit of jazz,” says his press release. His gently rhythmic vocals—with or without words—provide a soothing antidote to the midsummer swelter.
Breezy outdoor concerts: Indie star vocalist YEBBA pairs up with jazz star Robert Glasper at Central Park Summerstage (Aug. 1), just before he leaves for the Newport Jazz Festival (Aug. 4). Traditional jazz meadowlark Daryl Sherman returns to Bryant Park this year with her Piano in the Park series (Aug. 5-9). Later, Carmen Lundy headlines at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival at Marcus Garvey Park (Aug. 24), followed by three dazzling singers at the Festival’s next stage, in Tompkins Square Park (Aug. 25): Kurt Elling with Superblue duo-mate, guitarist Charlie Hunter; vocal virtuoso Ekep Nkwelle; and gospel master Alexis Lombre. Award-winning jazz journalist (and Glasper spouse) Angélika Beener hosts in both locations.
For those who prefer air-conditioned rooms: Singer LaTanya Hall plays Django (Aug. 1) before hitting Dizzy's Club as part of its Songbook Sundays feature, this time in a salute to Duke Ellington (Aug. 18). Rising newcomer Anaïs Reno will turn out a set that evening, too.