[Dixielandjazz] Catherine Russell reviewed - Seattle Times

[Robert Ringwald]

Catherine Russell: Strictly Romancin' (World Village)
by Paul de Barros
Seattle Times, February 12, 2012
Though popular music is structured around obsolescence -- styles emerge, fall away,
then revive as "retro" -- some artists, thank goodness, just do what they do. Though
the songs on this album are old, they are not self-consciously so. Russell sings
in a marvelously full, rich alto and hangs just a hint of a blue scrim over her cheerful,
straight-shooting, girl-next-door innocence. Her soulful, R&B triplets on the Lil
Green classic "Romance in the Dark" will heat up any Valentine's date, and the sentiment
on the cheerfully inviting "Everything's Been Done Before" will appeal to any would-be
lover. Russell has a keen curatorial ear. As familiar as you may be with Mary Lou
Williams and Louis Armstrong, chances are you've never heard Williams' infectious
ditty "Satchel Mouth Baby." And though you may know, by way of Bobby Short, Billy
Strayhorn's "I'm Checkin' Out, Goom Bye," you'll be glad to hear it again by Russell.
Her haunting version of "No More," with its '50s-modern arrangement, is easily as
good as Billie Holiday's. It's not a big deal, but it's worth mentioning that Russell
is black, since vintage song excavation has been primarily a white obsession. But
like the Carolina Chocolate Drops with the blues, Russell is a delightful addition
to the party.


--Bob Ringwald
www.ringwald.com
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