Russ Kassoff is an accomplished jazz pianist, conductor, composer, orchestrator, and arranger, teacher and mentor, whose varied talents are much valued and on display in the music world. Russ toured as pianist to Frank Sinatra by request from ’80-’91, including The Ultimate Event world-wide tour (’88-’89) televised nationally on PBS featuring Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and Liza Minnelli. Russ also served as Liza’s pianist/accompanist from ’82-’01 and as Minnelli’s music director and conductor for the acclaimed Minnelli on Minnelli national tour (’00). In ’98 Russ was also pianist/conductor on Broadway for Charles Aznavour in concert also taking him to the west coast for the Las Vegas grand opening of The Hotel Paris along with the Michel Legrand Orchestra. In the Jazz world he has enjoyed a 35+ year association with Bucky Pizzarelli being a member of the legendary Cafe Pierre trio. Since 2003 Russ has been the music director / pianist to Rita Moreno, and currently leads a “Rascals” – like band to perform with Eddie Brigati: After The Rascals produced by Steven Van Zandt. 2018 saw the release of Big Band Broadway with Russ’s 17 piece Big Band starring Tony winner Debbie Gravitte with whom he regularly performs. Please visit www.russkassoff.com for additional bio information.
Catherine Dupuis is the featured vocalist on most of Russ’s gigs including his big band. They have partnered together for over 20 jazz festivals – in State College, Bellefonte, PA and Sackets Harbor, NY including such jazz greats as Rob McConnell, Phil Woods, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Jerry Dodgion, Ted Nash, Gene Bertoncini, Wycliffe Gordon, Mark Murphy, Sheila Jordan and many others to name a few. Catherine has released 3 critically acclaimed albums that will be featured in today’s program. She brings an expressive warmth to her singing, as well as a skilled ability to communicate the emotional content of a lyric. While at Indiana University (BS ’ 79), Catherine performed with the Singing Hoosiers under the direction of Robert Stoll and studied the Great American Songbook with Miss Eileen Farrell. She has appeared to critical acclaim at many popular New York City venues including the North Square Jazz Brunch, Kitano, Iridium and Smoke. From Cole Porter to Sting, Catherine possesses an eclectic taste in musical material She proudly claims Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan as her mentors. Locally, her recordings can be heard on WBGO’s Singer’s Unlimited with Michael Bourne. For more info on Catherine, visit www.CatherineDupuis.com
photo by Craig Collins