Jazz Articles about Russ Kassoff

Russ Kassoff: Bird Fly By

by Jack Bowers
October 30, 2010

Bird Fly By opens, appropriately enough, with Russ Kassoff's unaccompanied piano establishing an easygoing vibe on Gus Kahn / Walter Donaldson's flapper-era standard, “Yes, Sir, That's My Baby." He's soon joined by bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Dennis Mackrel for a groovy romp that's all but certain to leave the listener smiling. Listening to that prefatory number is all that's needed to understand that Kassoff clearly loves what he is doing--and that he does it remarkably well. ...

Russ Kassoff: Bird Fly By

by Edward Blanco
June 20, 2010

As of this writing, jazz pianist Russ Kassoff is the pianist and conductor of a seventeen-piece big band, and the musical director of Come Fly Away the Twyla Tharp Broadway dance musical tribute to Frank Sinatra. These associations became the inspiration and, as Kassoff states, the “final piece of impetus...needed," for recording Bird Fly By. Not surprising, however, considering an impressive musical résumé that includes touring with Sinatra for over a decade, culminating in the 1989 “The Ultimate Event" world ...

Russ Kassoff: Somewhere

by Paul Ryan
August 29, 2006

It has been a long time coming, but at the age of 52, Russ Kassoff has finally released his first album as a leader. Somewhere is split almost evenly between solo piano and trio tracks (plus one duo tune).

From the first plaintive notes of “Look For The Silver Lining, Kassoff's lyricism and brilliantly executed melodic lines shine through. Bassist Martin Wind matches the leader's lyrical quality, especially in his nimble excursion on “Somewhere. During a particularly engaging ...

Russ Kassoff: Somewhere

by Jack Bowers
August 24, 2006

It goes without saying that Frank Sinatra could have enlisted the services of any accompanist he wanted. The fact that he chose Russ Kassoff speaks volumes about Kassoff's unequivocal artistry, which is splendidly showcased on Somewhere, Kassoff's first album as leader of his own group (after almost forty years as a professional musician).

Kassoff, whose natural sense of rhythm, fluent touch and scrupulous attention to dynamics are above reproach, plays unaccompanied on five selections, with bassist Martin Wind on one ...