Catherine Russell & Sean Mason 

Catherine Russell & Sean Mason Duo 
The GRAMMY-nominated voice-and-piano duo celebrate classic jazz traditions, blending Sean Mason’s sophisticated piano with Catherine Russell’s brilliant, timeless voice. Their new album, My Ideal, nods to the roots of blues, R&B, jazz, and pop while offering fresh, invigorated interpretations. 

Catherine Russell 
Praised by NPR for “a voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the Garden of Eden,” Catherine Russell is considered one of the great interpreters of American Popular Song. A native New Yorker born into musical royalty, her father, Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist and bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist, guitarist, and bassist. Since her 2006 debut album Cat, Russell has released six acclaimed albums, including Strictly Romancin’, Bring It Back, and Harlem On My Mind, which received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. She has performed and recorded with David Bowie, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Wynton Marsalis, and Rosanne Cash, appearing on over 200 albums. 

Sean Mason 
Renowned pianist and composer Sean Mason blends traditional jazz with contemporary influences. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he taught himself piano by ear at age 13. After studying at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and The Juilliard School, Mason established himself in New York City, performing with Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Herlin Riley, and others. His debut album, The Southern Suite, and recent collaboration with Catherine Russell on My Ideal (GRAMMY Nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album) showcase his artistry as a pianist, composer, and arranger.