Biography
Russ Lorenson has established a reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading interpreters of jazz standards, with a sound and approach that place him at the intersection of Broadway, jazz, and pop - the very essence of the Great American Songbook. Jazz Review says that “Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick; he is his own man.”
Nominated for a 2007 MAC Award by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, Russ Lorenson’s passion for the stage started as a youngster, with a performing career that began at age seven in his home town of Philadelphia. As an actor he has appeared in musical productions with theatre companies throughout California and has toured with the National Theatre for Children. As a choral conductor and vocal coach, Russ was the Associate Conductor of the award-winning California Youth Chorale for 5 years. As a vocalist he has toured the US, UK and Europe, appearing in concert with such luminaries as Broadway stars Karen Mason and Dale Kristien, “Queen of Cabaret” Andrea Marcovicci, jazz diva Wesla Whitfield, and as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt.
Lorenson is best known for his critically-acclaimed tribute to an American music icon in his show, "Benedetto/Blessed: Celebrating the Life and Music of Tony Bennett." Lorenson’s salute to the man whom Frank Sinatra called "the best singer in the business" premiered in 2006 as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt. Since then, the show has enjoyed sold-out runs across the country, including San Francisco's Empire Plush Room, Sterling’s Upstairs in Los Angeles, Milwaukee’s Wilson Center for the Arts, and New York's famed Iridium Jazz Club. Lorenson’s previous nightclub show, "A Little Travelin’ Music," played to sold-out audiences on both coasts. His debut CD, of the same name, was released in May 2006 on the LML Music label and features songs from the show and includes duets with special guests Shawn Ryan and Klea Blackhurst. His second CD, the jazzy holiday collection "What I Want For Christmas," was also released on LML Music in 2006, and has received extensive radio airplay in major markets across the US. Both CD’s were included in the initial Nominating Ballot for the 2006 Grammy Awards in the category of "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album" alongside such artists as Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, and John Pizzarelli.
Instrumentation
Russ Lorenson, vocals
Kelly Park, Piano
Reid Whatley/Tom Hubbard, bass
Brian Carmody, Drums
Tony Malfatti/Guido Fazio, sax/clarinet/flute
Terrence Brewer, guitar
Discography
CD - "A Little Travelin' Music" (LML Music), 2006
CD - "What I Want For Christmas" (LML Music), 2006
Links
| http://www.russlorenson.com |
| Russ Lorenson on Facebook |
| Russ Lorenson on MySpace |
| Russ Lorenson - Sound & Videos |
| Russ Lorenson Press & Reviews |