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 star Karen Mason, “Queen of Cabaret” Andrea Marcovicci, jazz diva Wesla Whitfield, and as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt.
Russ celebrates an American music icon in his show, Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the
Life and Music of Tony Bennett. Lorenson’s tribute to the man
whom Frank Sinatra called "the best singer in the business" premiered in July
2006 as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt and is currently enjoying
sold-out runs across the country, including both
The Empire Plush Room
and Jazz at Pearl's in San
Francisco, Sterling’s Upstairs in Los Angeles, and New York's famed
Iridium Jazz Club. The show is
musically directed by renowned jazz pianist
Kelly Park.
In honor – not impersonation – of Mr. Bennett (whose birth name translates to
“blessed” in Italian), and his successful career spanning over six decades,
Lorenson performs an array of the crooner’s biggest hits, including “I Left My
Heart in San Francisco,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Because of You” and “The Shadow
of Your Smile.”
“I find great inspiration in Mr. Bennett’s music and artistic vision,” says
Lorenson. “The Great American Songbook has had no greater champion, and I am
honored to be singing Mr. Bennett’s greatest hits and sharing the story of his
life.”
Russ' 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, 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
on the 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.
In recognition of his solid and sophisticated musical vocabulary,
Talkin’Broadway.com called Russ “an elegant performer who has faultless
musical taste and vocal phrasing. He has a voice that is reminiscent of some of
the great singers like Tony Bennett, Chet Baker and a little of Mel Tormé.”
The Los Angeles Times said that he brings “a supple voice and
strong sense of characterization to all his songs." The San Diego
Union-Tribune said that his “relaxed, easy deliveries...seem natural and
heartfelt..." BeyondChron.com said, “Not only does Lorenson have
the soul of the greats – Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and other dream crooners of
the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s – he has the band with him to really bring those decades
to life.” The Coronado Journal simply called him “…irresistible…”
