Russ Lorenson Musician - All About Jazz

Updated: September 29, 2023

Born: July 5, 1963

A terrific voice. Charisma to spare. A delightful raconteur. Impeccable musical taste and vocal phrasing. Unassuming nice guy. They all apply to Russ Lorenson, whose burnished tenor has thrilled audiences throughout the US and Europe.

Since his breakout club debut in 2005, Russ Lorenson has 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. It's no wonder he's called "San Francisco's Favorite Crooner."

In recognition of his solid and sophisticated musical vocabulary, Downbeat called him "A showman of taste and discretion [who] admires Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin without imitating them or adopting a Rat Pack smugness." 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…”

Awards

2007 MAC Award nominee

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"A showman of taste and discretion [who] admires Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin without imitating them or adopting a Rat Pack smugness."
- Downbeat

"There is nothing wrong with a little bit of Tony Bennett. Vocalist Russ Lorenson is proof that a little bit of Bennett can really do a lot...Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick, he is his own man. Lorenson’s baritone is almost like an instrument. It's richness, combined with his vocal phrasing is impeccable."
-Brenton Plourde, Jazz Review