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| Russ Lorenson at The Hideaway Room at Helen's San Francisco jazz vocalist Russ Lorenson makes his New York cabaret debut with "Russ Lorenson's A Little Travelin' Music" Saturday, April 15, and on Sunday, April 16 at The Hideaway Room at Helen's. In "Russ Lorenson's A Little Travelin' Music", a cleverly conceived and beautifully balanced program of jazz standards and obscure Broadway gems, Lorenson has assembled a unique cabaret show that takes audiences on a musical journey through his life via the great standards of the 20th century. Featuring songs by composers such as Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and Cy Coleman, Lorenson tells the story of a 15-year odyssey...how he went from being a full-time performer to a high-tech executive with a million-mile travel schedule, and back again to the stage. Backed by the renowned Kelly Park Jazz Quartet, audiences will travel with Russ on wings of song...from London to Chicago, Paris to New York, and from Rome to San Francisco. Debut CD to be released in May 2006 Lorenson's debut CD, to be released in May 2006 on the LML Music label, features songs from his cabaret show and includes duets with special guests Klea Blackhurst and fellow LML recording artist Shawn Ryan. The show was also taped for public television and will be broadcast to coincide with the launch of the CD. Lorenson will embark on a 15-city tour beginning in August 2006, promoting the CD and bringing his shows to audiences throughout the US. Since his breakout club debut in 2005, Lorenson has quickly established a reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's leading interpreters of jazz standards. As a singer, he is equally at home whether entertaining a concert hall audience or performing in the more intimate cabaret setting. With comparisons to Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé, and Chet Baker, Lorenson has a voice one savors and remembers. 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." 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..." The Coronado Journal simply called him "…irresistible…" A more theatrical singer than most of his peers on the cabaret circuit, Lorenson's polished pipes move effortlessly through various musical styles. He does not shy away from theatricality but always knows when to infuse jazz sensibilities into an old Broadway chestnut, bringing new life to a song audiences think they know so well. Lorenson's sound and approach place him at the intersection of Broadway, jazz, and pop – the very essence of the Great American Songbook. Lorenson began his professional career in San Diego, where he appeared with Starlight Musical Theatre, Lyric Opera San Diego, Diversionary Theatre, and toured with the National Theatre for Children. For five years, he was Associate Conductor of the award-winning California Youth Chorale. Since moving to San Francisco in 1997, Lorenson has appeared in several productions at 42nd Street Moon, including their hit production of Cole Porter's "Red Hot & Blue!" starring Klea Blackhurst. Of his performance, Talkin'Broadway.com's Richard Connema said, "Outstanding...I think he could almost fly off the stage!" This summer, he will also make his debut with The Willows Theatre Company, appearing in their production of "1776". As a nightclub and cabaret artist, Lorenson has performed in San Diego at Bourbon Street, The Escape, WD's, and The Caliph. In the San Francisco Bay Area, he has appeared at Martuni's, the Café Majestic, Kelly's of Alameda and The Empire Plush Room. A singer and actor since childhood, Lorenson has also donated his time as a performer at benefit performances for various San Francisco Bay Area youth organizations including the Young Actor's Theatre Camp (La Honda, CA), Adolescent Counseling Services (Palo Alto, CA), and San Francisco's School of the Arts. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |