Home » Jazz Musicians » Russ Kassoff

Russ Kassoff

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.

Read more

Tags

140
Album Review

Russ Kassoff: Bird Fly By

Read "Bird Fly By" reviewed by Jack Bowers


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. ...

219
Album Review

Russ Kassoff: Bird Fly By

Read "Bird Fly By" reviewed by Edward Blanco


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 ...

287
Album Review

Russ Kassoff: Somewhere

Read "Somewhere" reviewed by Paul Ryan


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 ...

272
Album Review

Russ Kassoff: Somewhere

Read "Somewhere" reviewed by Jack Bowers


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 ...

Read more articles
74

Event

The Russ Kassoff Big Band - RKBB 2-15-11 8 & 9:30PM - Bahai Center

The Russ Kassoff Big Band - RKBB 2-15-11 8 & 9:30PM - Bahai Center

Source: Russ Kassoff

The Russ Kassoff Big Band will be at the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium—Tuesday 2/15/11 at 8 & 9:30 PM FEBRUARY 15, 2011 8 & 9:30PM The Russ Kassoff Big Band with vocalist Catherine Dupuis Tue, February 15, 8:00pm-9:30pm 53 East 11th, New York City Description Tuesday, February 15, 2011: The Russ Kassoff Big Band with vocalist Catherine Dupuis Two Shows: 8:00 & 9:30 PM. For reservations and information please call ...

109

Performance / Tour

The Russ Kassoff Trio Wednesday February 28th at the Kitano

The Russ Kassoff Trio Wednesday February 28th at the Kitano

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Hello Friends & Fans,

Here's a short list of my upcoming appearances in the near future around the NYC Metropolitan Area along with some other exciting current announcements. If you get a chance, please come down to the Kitano. It's a wonderful new club with great food, ambiance and hospitality. Hope to see you all there! Here comes the spring!

THE KITANO 66 Park Ave @ E. 38th Street, New York Telephone: (212) 885-7119

Wednesday February ...

414

Festival

State College (PA) Jazz Festival, July 21 & 22 - Featuring Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Russ Kassoff Trio, Ian Hendrickson-Smith, Catherine Dupuis

State College (PA) Jazz Festival, July 21 & 22 - Featuring Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Russ Kassoff Trio, Ian Hendrickson-Smith, Catherine Dupuis

Source: All About Jazz

Friday, July 21st and Saturday, July 22nd (rain or shine)

Legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and acclaimed clarinetist Ken Peplowski with State High Alums vocalist Catherine Dupuis ('76) and Ian Hendrickson-Smith('92), saxophones

The Russ Kassoff Trio D Russ Kassoff, piano, Martin Wind, bass and Tim Horner, drums

FREE Event! Bring your lawnchairs, blankets and picnic baskets!

Downtown State College, PA Ample parking and lodging packages available Information: 888-221-6670

The Second Annual State College (PA) Jazz Festival will ...

172

Performance / Tour

Summer Sounds at Old Westbury Gardens Catherine Dupuis and the Russ Kassoff Trio

Summer Sounds at Old Westbury Gardens Catherine Dupuis and the Russ Kassoff Trio

Source: All About Jazz

Summer Sounds at Old Westbury Gardens. Saturday July 30- Catherine Dupuis and the Russ Kassoff Trio. Catherine brings expressive warmth to her singing, as well as a skilled ability to communicate the emotional content of a lyric. Her unique abilities as a performer are a culmination of her natural talent, as well as her experience and training as an actress and vocalist. Since 1994, Catherine has appeared to critical acclaim at popular New York City venues. From Cole Porter to ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Bird Fly By

RHK Jazz
2010

buy

Somewhere

RHK Records
2006

buy

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.