by Claire DeMarco
What a treat to listen and enjoy the legendary Catherine Russell on Monday, March 24 at the Greer Cabaret Theater as part of their Trust Cabaret Series!
The Grammy award winning Russell’s singing comes naturally as the daughter of the late Luis Russell and mother Carline Ray, both well known in various roles within the music industry.
Russell was fabulous as she took us on a nostalgic trip back in time singing many old jazz, blues songs. She has a wonderful voice and style that complemented her selections. Russell interacted with the audience, providing history about the songs she sang and why she selected them.
Highlights included two songs made famous by Fats Waller: “You’re Not the Only Oyster in the Stew” and “I’m Going to Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter”.
Other wonderful songs included “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart”, “When Did You Leave Heaven?” and “Did I Remember”.
Russell delivered a song from 1923 (101 years old) “You’ve Got the Right Key but the Wrong Keyhole” that had humorous, sexual innuendoes.
Russell described what she does succinctly: “Swing music is like food and medicine to me”.
It was evident that as much as the audience enjoyed her performance, she equally enjoyed entertaining us.
Ben Paterson accompanied Russell on the piano and he was superb. There were times when Russell completed the vocals and Paterson focused specifically and brilliantly on the instrumental side of the song.
Note: The Trust Cabaret Series never fails to please, continually bringing talented and varied acts to Pittsburgh.
-CED
The next show in the Trust Cabaret Series is on Monday, May 20, 2024 featuring Matthew Morrison.
