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 award-winning musical productions with theatre companies throughout the US, 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 (Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard) and Dale Kristien (Phantom of the Opera), “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 tribute 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 both the Empire Plush Room and Jazz
at Pearl's in San Francisco, Sterling’s Upstairs in Los Angeles, Milwaukee’s
Wilson Center for the Arts, and New York's famed Iridium Jazz Club.
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, 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." The Napa Valley
Register said that "...Lorenson...is solid gold." The San Diego
Union-Tribune said that his “relaxed, easy deliveries...seem natural and
heartfelt..." The Los Angeles Times said that he brings “a supple voice
and strong sense of characterization to all his songs." Talkin’Broadway.com
said that "Russ Lorenson has brought the crooner style back to the cabaret
scene...reminiscent of those singers that I used to hear when the 52nd Street
cabarets were the cat's meow." 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 Juice Weekly called Russ “...a
performer that is reminiscent of the old greats...” The Coronado Journal
simply called him “…irresistible…”
