Russ Kassoff is an accomplished jazz pianist, conductor, composer, orchestrator, and arranger, whose varied talents are much valued and on display in the music world. Russ Kassoff is one of the most highly regarded musicians in New York and was praised by the New York Times in 2004 as possessing a "precision and enthusiasm that is riveting." In the words of the Chairman of the Board, "You are the best." -Frank Sinatra, '87
Russ toured as pianist to Frank Sinatra from '80-'91, served as pianist/accompanist for Liza Minnelli from '82-'01 and Minnelli's music director and conductor for the acclaimed Minnelli on Minnelli national tour ('00). Russ was pianist for The Ultimate Event Tour ('88-'89), televised nationally on PBS and featuring Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and Minnelli.
Currently, he performs as conductor/pianist to Rita Moreno (2006 Jan-Feb @ Cafe Carlyle in NYC), Debbie Gravitte (Big Band Broadway with the Russ Kassoff Big Band and many "in concert" appearances), Catherine Dupuis (State College PA Jazz Festival, Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival and many varied club appearances), and many others. His eclectic and varied recording career includes albums with Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Red Norvo, Chris Connor, Sylvia Syms, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Mimi Hines, Catherine Dupuis, Martha Lorin, Jasper Kump and many others. In addition to Sinatra and Minnelli, as a pianist, music director and/or conductor Russ has accompanied a varied list of performers including: Steve Allen, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Sammy Cahn, Liz Callaway, Claiborne Cary, Vic Damone, Catherine Dupuis, Debbie Gravitte, Buddy Greco, Gregory Hines, Mimi Hines, Carol Lawrence, Ute Lemper, Monica Mancini, Barry Manilow, Amanda McBroom, Susannah McCorkle, Maureen McGovern, Patrice Munsel, Toby Parker, John Pizzarelli, Faith Prince, Trudy Richards, Ginger Rogers, Annie Ross, Carly Simon, Carol Sloane, Sylvia Syms, and Luciano Pavarotti (duet with Liza for Pavarotti & Friends in 1996).
Russ has appeared at the Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival, the State College Jazz Festival, the Pensacola Jazz Festival, and the Toronto Jazz Festival. In New York, he has performed countless times at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the New York State Theatre, The Kaplan Penthouse and Town Hall. At the National Arts Club, Russ has led numerous trios and small groups over 25 years, including their four most recent Command Performances for the membership. In the 1980's, he performed regularly at Bradley's and One Fifth Avenue. Russ has been a regular performer at the acclaimed Knickerbocker jazz club since 1984.
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Russ's arrangements and orchestrations have appeared in many different settings. From full orchestra for Liza Minnelli, Debbie Gravitte, Charles Aznavour and Billy Stritch to smaller intimate groups for Catherine Dupuis, Sylvia Syms, Mimi Hines, Chris Connor, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, Trudi Richards, Martha Lorin and June Valli. Russ is also the sole writer and arranger for the concert book of the Russ Kassoff Big Band, which was featured in the world premiere concert of Big Band Broadway starring Tony award winner Debbie Gravitte at the Ridgefield Playhouse in November 2005.
In July 2002, Russ arranged and led two big band concerts in Norwood and Potsdam NY (Crane Youth Music). These arrangements have become the backbone of the new Russ Kassoff Big Band comprised of top studio recording and Broadway musicians, featured at the 2nd Milford, PA Music Festival in June 2004. The RKBB can be heard on the Local 802 Musician's Union radio spot promoting live music in the NY Metropolitan Area.
As an associate producer, 2004-7 has been a busy time for Russ. He wrote all of the arrangements, conducted, contracted and recorded CD's for Catherine Dupuis (The Rules Of The Road), Martha Lorin (Blues Over Broadway), Jasper Kump (Sunday In New York) and Toby Parker (brother of Sara Jessica Parker!). His first solo/trio CD "SOMEWHERE" was released on 9/12/2006 at "STEINWAY HALL" in NYC.
As a composer, Russ works regularly with magnificent lyricist, Deirdre Broderick, the perfect wordsmith for the stories evolving from his tunes. Together they have written over 30 songs and most recently "I Remember" qualified for the penultimate round towards a 2005-6 Grammy Nomination. Russ also writes with lyricist Dan Regan, creating a pop and folk groove for the catalog.
Russ has performed as a member of many jazz groups, most notably with the Bucky Pizzarelli Trio in the 1980's at the Cafe Pierre and New York’s Plaza Hotel, and their continued musical relationship finds them performing together at various jazz clubs, concerts, and jazz festivals. Russ was also a regular member of Peter Appleyard's Benny Goodman Alumni, touring Canada extensively in the mid-1980's and featuring jazz greats Ed Bickert, Slam Stewart, Billy Butterfield, Ed Polcer, Urbie Green, Abe Most, Butch Miles, Don Lamond, Peanuts Hucko, George Masso and Major Holley, among others.
As a concert jazz pianist, 2006 found Russ as a featured performer at the JVC Jazz Festival in NYC (80th Birthday Tribute honoring Bucky Pizzarelli), the Pensicola Jazz Festival (with Gene Bertoncini, Harry Allen and Jay Leonhart), the 2nd annual State College PA Jazz Festival (with Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Martin Wind, Tim Horner and Catherine Dupuis) and the 7th annual Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival (with Marvin Stamm, Ted Nash, Martin Wind, Dennis Mackrel and Catherine Dupuis). 2004 found Russ as featured performer at the Pensacola Jazz Festival, The Toronto Jazz Festival (with Carol Sloane), and the 5th annual Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival (with Harry Allen, Joe Cohn and Catherine Dupuis).
Since it's inception in 2000, Russ has been the musical director/coordinator and pianist for the Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival. Over the first 7 years he has brought to the SHJF performers such as Catherine Dupuis, Linc Milliman, Terry Clarke, Ron Vincent, Martin Wind, Rob McConnell, Kickie Britt, Glenn Drewes, Gary Keller, Rick Cutler, Harry Allen, Joe Cohn, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Marvin Stamm, and Dennis Mackrel.
In 2005 Russ performed with his trio (Brian Torff and Rick Cutler) at the 1st annual State College Jazz Festival and his 2nd appearance in 2006 with his recording trio from "SOMEWHERE" was part of a spectacular day along with special guests Bucky Pizzarelli and Ken Peplowski.
In 2004, as a music director/conductor, in addition to all the fine vocalists he’s performed with, Russ conducted the Modesto Symphony with Rita Moreno, the annual Ridgefield (CT) Holiday Spectacular (starring Debbie Gravitte) and the annual Glaxo-Smithkline industrial show (as big band arranger and pianist).
In the summer of 2001, Russ toured Europe as pianist/accompanist to Internationally- acclaimed Ute Lemper.
On Broadway, Russ served as musical director/pianist for Charles Aznavour at the Marquis Theater in 1998 and as pianist/arranger/contractor to Minnelli on Minnelli at the Palace Theater in 1999-2000. Russ has also played hundreds of shows on Broadway, including Miss Saigon, Cats, Will Rogers Follies, Buttons On Broadway, Jane Eyre, The Life, Seussical, Victor Victoria, Sunset Boulevard, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Kiss Me Kate.
Russ holds a B.M. in performance from the Crane School of Music, SUNY-Potsdam, 1974. Show less
