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Catherine Russell Shares a Taste of Her New Album, 'Alone Together,' on Singers Unlimited

WBGO
Catherine Russell singing in our performance studio, in advance of her album 'Alone Together'

Catherine Russell is one of the most Herculean singers I know. She sings all across the musical spectrum, but she's especially full of blues and swing. 

She blew the roof off Mohonk last month, in a Blues Jam and in a Singers Jam. Cat and Roseanna Vitro singing together at the climax of the Singers Jam was seismic.

Her new album, Alone Together, comes out March 1, but she previewed the album with me on Singers Unlimited, with pianist Mark Shane. Heart-lifting ballads: “Shake Down The Stars” and “How Deep Is The Ocean?” Classic swingers: “Errand Girl for Rhythm” and “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby?” And feisty songs like only Cat sings best: “You’re Not The Only Oyster in the Stew”; “He May Be Your Dog But He’s Wearing My Collar.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haNEjbtdUzA

Catherine Russell appears at Birdland through Saturday, Feb. 16.

Michael Bourne, who died on August 21, 2022, was a presence on the air at WBGO between the end of 1984 and the start of 2022 when he retired from full-time hosting duty. He is the host of the Singers Unlimited Podcast by WBGO Studios. Previously, he hosted the popular Singers Unlimited (1985-2022). He also hosted the equally popular Blues Break for several years. Michael is a senior contributor to Down Beat, with the magazine since 1969. Doctor Bourne earned a PhD in Theatre from Indiana University -- which comes in handy when he's a theatre critic for the WBGO Journal.