Russ Kassoff
Somewhere
© 2006 Russ Kassoff (783707307701)
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Jazz Instrumental, Solo Piano and Trio
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RUSS KASSOFF is an accomplished jazz pianist, conductor, composer, orchestrator, and arranger, and was praised by the New York Times in 2004 as possessing a "precision and enthusiasm that is riveting." Russ toured as pianist to Frank Sinatra from '80-'91, served as pianist/accompanist for Liza Minnelli from '82-'01 and Minnelli's music director and conductor for the acclaimed Minnelli on Minnelli national tour ('00). Russ conducted for Charles Aznavour on Broadway in 1999.
Russ’s accompaniment credits include Steve Allen, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Sammy Cahn, Vic Damone, Monica Mancini, Barry Manilow and Rita Moreno. Russ has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City and Avery Fisher halls. His jazz duo has performed regularly at the Knickerbocker in NYC since '84. Russ is the sole writer and arranger for the Russ Kassoff Big Band, featured in the November ’05 premiere performance of “Big Band Broadway” starring Tony award winner Debbie Gravitte.
As associate producer Russ wrote all of the arrangements and recorded CD’s for Catherine Dupuis’ critically acclaimed “The Rules Of The Road” CD, Martha Lorin, Jasper Kump, & Toby Parker and the forthcoming CD of Andrea Loftus.
As a recording musician Russ has performed on many projects including those of Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sylvia Syms, Chris Connor, Bucky Pizzarelli, Carly Simon & Rod Stewart.
As a concert jazz pianist Russ has appeared and continues to be a featured performer at the Pensacola Jazz Festival, The Toronto Jazz Festival (with Carol Sloane), The State College Jazz Festival, The Milford Music Festival and The Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival.
2006 marks the release of Russ’s debut CD “Somewhere” featuring a collection of solo and trio jazz performances with Martin Wind on bass and Tim Horner on drums.
Visit www.russkassoff.com for schedule and biography information and the ever expanding RK celebrity deli wall of fame!
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Somewhere
author: Eleanor EidelsI first heard the Lady Be Good track on the Univ of North Texas jazz station while I was driving down the highway. The last two minutes had me smiling, laughing, and finally shrieking with sheer joy and amazement at this incredible pianist with 75 fingers. Every note is distinct, even at lightning speed. The entire CD is remarkable, and I'm glad I bought an extra one to give my daughter. Can't wait for the next one! Thank you, Russ Kassoff!
Taste is everything to a songwriter
author: Amanda StevensonThis album shows the epitome of good taste. As a lyricist, I have always loathed musicians who stray so far from the melody that the song becomes unrecognizable. I also find too much dissonance downright irritating. Well Russ has great taste in his choices and his musicianship. This CD made me a fan!
One of my all-time favorite jazz CDs.
author: Rick SchragWonderful songs, played intelligently and with sensitivity and maturity. And a fantastic recording to boot! Very tight ensemble and the musicians are really in touch with each other. Outstanding.
- author: Patrick Notley
Music of the highest quality. A lovely blend of songs. A must for any jazz fans. This should be SOMEWHERE in your CD collection.
I loved the Kassoff CD. It's a beautiful recording
author: Dave McKennaIt's a wonderful CD.I enjoyed it.Russ is a hell of a good piano player.
Somewhere is a terrific CD by a wonderful pianist(Kassoff).
author: Don KeatI've really enjoyed listening to Somewhere. The reasons are manifold but can be summarized under the three areas of smile, sing and swing.Firstly, SMILE. I feel good when listening to Somewhere. At the end of Lady Be Good I even laughed!(Flintstones earlier then Loony Tunes). Part of the fun is trying to figure out/identify what Mr Kassoff is playing in his Musicplay quotes (similar to Will Shortz's Wordplay)from bop(Miles,Bird phrases), to standards, spirituals,anthems and beyond. Secondly,SING. Almost all of the songs are singable. The fact is that I can sing along with cuts 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,11,&12. Mr.Kassoff has penned two utterly beautiful ballads in You Are the World to Me and I Remember.I think that You are the World to Me, with it's melody and tonality/key changes, should take it's place alongside such a standard as What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life. If Francis Albert were still alive, he could make it a standard. Catherine Dupuis has started it on The Rules of the Road. Perhaps Tony B. could take it the rest of the way!!Thirdly, SWING.This CD exemplifies a swinging set (1,3,5,7,9,11).But it is balanced with sweet/beautiful tunes (2,4,6,8,10,12).You'll notice that the cuts are programmed so that this CD is like listening to a well paced set in a club. Mr.Russ Kassoff exhibits the art of piano playing in Somewhere. On half of the cuts he is accompanied by the wonderful rhythm section of Mr Martin Wind who shows us how to play arco and use double stops as well as the swinging Mr Tim Horner who reminded me of Jeff Hamilton with his sensitive brush work. But the CD is Mr Kassoff's as he takes us on a tour of piano stylings(e.g;OP,Newborn,Evans,Mc Kenna,etc.)but personalized in his own way which results in a wonderful show of technique (e.g;double times, five key changes on cut 12,etc ) and sensitive stylings of originals and standards. I would highly recommend this CD for repeated listening because it will make you SMILE, you can SING along with most of the songs, and it is a CD balanced with SWING/SWEET tunes which will touch you.
I have no reservations about saying Art Tatum,Oscar Peterson and Russ Kassoff in
author: Marc CarfiIf it is possible to achieve perfection as a jazz piano player,then on this CD Russ Kassoff comes about as close as I've ever heard.His technique is flawless,his improvisational skills are wonderfully creative and his love for jazz and the piano shine through with every note he plays.In short he does it all.I have no reservations about saying Art Tatum ,Oscar Peterson and Russ Kassoff in the same sentence.Highly recomended.