While cancer has silenced Russ Lorenson's voice, he recreated his musical magic, culminating in the release of his never-before-heard live album.
Russ Lorenson, acclaimed as “San Francisco’s Favorite Crooner," has released a live jazz-cabaret experience, under the independent label LML Music.
He celebrated by MC’ing his album’s release in December at The Triad Theatre in New York with an all-star lineup of singers that included Billy Stritch, Mary Foster Conklin, Lennie Watts, Jennifer Roberts and #1 Billboard artist Spencer Day. All proceeds benefited the American Songbook Association.
A passionate champion of The Great American Songbook, Lorenson has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe with his burnished tenor and warm charisma. He has previously released three critically acclaimed albums, including two Christmas albums that garner heavy radio rotation nearly two decades after their release. His second holiday album, In The Holiday Spirit, was given 4 stars by Downbeat, and included in their “Best Albums of 2015.”
In 2021, Lorenson faced a life-altering diagnosis of HPV-positive tonsil cancer. Through early detection, he overcame this significant health challenge and is now in remission. While cancer may have taken away his ability to sing, it hasn't silenced his voice. With profound gratitude and a sense of purpose, Lorenson is now channeling his creative energies into a flurry of activities, including the reintroduction of his back catalog, a children’s book inspired by his fan favorite holiday track, “Jingles, The Christmas Cat," and, notably, his first album in 8 years, “Standard Time: Live in New York."
Standard Time: Live in New York offers a glimpse into Lorenson's captivating live performances in the iconic Metropolitan Room, New York, recorded in 2008. The album is a testament to Lorenson's vision that The Great American Songbook did not cease evolving in 1959, as it features a “modern classics" program of songs.
In this musical journey, Lorenson masterfully interprets a range of compositions. From a haunting rendition of Lionel Richie's “Hello" to heartfelt performances like “How I Will Say I Love You," “Diamond In The Sky," and the beautifully nostalgic “It’s Raining Memories," each track showcases Lorenson's talent, versatility, and deep connection to jazz's profound history.
“Standard Time: Live in New York" is a seamless bridge between the classics of the past and the potential classics of the future, influenced by contemporary greats like Michael Feinstein, Harry Connick, Jr., and John Pizzarelli.
Lorenson remarks about his album, “This album is a journey through time, a celebration of the enduring magic of The Great American Songbook. I've always believed that well-penned songs with meaningful lyrics still exist. Listening back, 15 years later, I'm glad to see our vision was right on the mark."
Beyond the album, Lorenson has further plans that include a series of children's books, starting with his Christmas book in 2024, and other special offerings. Lorenson's career and music have been driven by his desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy, and these future endeavors are a testament to that commitment.
“Standard Time: Live in New York" is a profound reminder of the everlasting appeal of classic songwriting and performances. Lorenson invites you to embark on this soulful musical expedition and rekindle your love for The Great American Songbook's perennial charm, all while embracing the promise of tunes that resonate with today's audiences.
Listen to Standard Time: Live in New York here.
He celebrated by MC’ing his album’s release in December at The Triad Theatre in New York with an all-star lineup of singers that included Billy Stritch, Mary Foster Conklin, Lennie Watts, Jennifer Roberts and #1 Billboard artist Spencer Day. All proceeds benefited the American Songbook Association.
A passionate champion of The Great American Songbook, Lorenson has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe with his burnished tenor and warm charisma. He has previously released three critically acclaimed albums, including two Christmas albums that garner heavy radio rotation nearly two decades after their release. His second holiday album, In The Holiday Spirit, was given 4 stars by Downbeat, and included in their “Best Albums of 2015.”
In 2021, Lorenson faced a life-altering diagnosis of HPV-positive tonsil cancer. Through early detection, he overcame this significant health challenge and is now in remission. While cancer may have taken away his ability to sing, it hasn't silenced his voice. With profound gratitude and a sense of purpose, Lorenson is now channeling his creative energies into a flurry of activities, including the reintroduction of his back catalog, a children’s book inspired by his fan favorite holiday track, “Jingles, The Christmas Cat," and, notably, his first album in 8 years, “Standard Time: Live in New York."
Standard Time: Live in New York offers a glimpse into Lorenson's captivating live performances in the iconic Metropolitan Room, New York, recorded in 2008. The album is a testament to Lorenson's vision that The Great American Songbook did not cease evolving in 1959, as it features a “modern classics" program of songs.
In this musical journey, Lorenson masterfully interprets a range of compositions. From a haunting rendition of Lionel Richie's “Hello" to heartfelt performances like “How I Will Say I Love You," “Diamond In The Sky," and the beautifully nostalgic “It’s Raining Memories," each track showcases Lorenson's talent, versatility, and deep connection to jazz's profound history.
“Standard Time: Live in New York" is a seamless bridge between the classics of the past and the potential classics of the future, influenced by contemporary greats like Michael Feinstein, Harry Connick, Jr., and John Pizzarelli.
Lorenson remarks about his album, “This album is a journey through time, a celebration of the enduring magic of The Great American Songbook. I've always believed that well-penned songs with meaningful lyrics still exist. Listening back, 15 years later, I'm glad to see our vision was right on the mark."
Beyond the album, Lorenson has further plans that include a series of children's books, starting with his Christmas book in 2024, and other special offerings. Lorenson's career and music have been driven by his desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy, and these future endeavors are a testament to that commitment.
“Standard Time: Live in New York" is a profound reminder of the everlasting appeal of classic songwriting and performances. Lorenson invites you to embark on this soulful musical expedition and rekindle your love for The Great American Songbook's perennial charm, all while embracing the promise of tunes that resonate with today's audiences.
Listen to Standard Time: Live in New York here.
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