"My Ideal" Vinyl

My Ideal, released on August 23, 2024, via Dot Time Records, is a captivating album from GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell and acclaimed pianist Sean Mason. This project marks a significant milestone in their careers, highlighting a profound musical dialogue through a series of voice-and-piano duets.

Catherine Russell, known for her rich, soulful voice and exceptional interpretative skills, has enchanted audiences since her debut solo album in 2006. Her eight previous solo albums have garnered critical acclaim, with her 2022 release, Send For Me, marking her first collaboration with Sean Mason. My Ideal takes their partnership to new heights, featuring an entire set of duets that reflect the essence of classic jazz traditions. Despite his youth, Mason, a remarkable talent at 25 during the recording, brings a sophisticated and nuanced touch to the piano, perfectly complementing Russell's vocal artistry.

The album showcases a diverse repertoire, spanning African-American and American popular music's vast landscape. From the blues and R&B to the Great American Songbook, Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley, My Ideal offers a fresh yet timeless sound. Russell and Mason's synergy is palpable throughout, effortlessly blending their talents to create a compelling musical experience.

Highlights include "Porter's Love Song," a witty piece by Andy Razaf and James P. Johnson, and "You Stayed Away Too Long," a lively interpretation of a Fats Waller classic. Homages to Ray Charles in "I Don’t Need No Doctor" and "Ain’t That Love" blend blues and gospel influences with modern harmonies, while "Grind My Coffee" and "You Can Depend On Me" pay tribute to Fats Waller and Nat King Cole, respectively. The album concludes with a poignant rendition of Peggy Lee's "Waitin’ For The Train To Come In," leaving listeners with a sense of longing and nostalgia.

My Ideal stands alongside legendary voice-and-piano duet albums like Ella Fitzgerald's Ella Sings Gershwin and Tony Bennett's collaborations with Bill Evans. It draws from this venerable tradition while carving its own path, showcasing the unique synergy and brilliance of Russell and Mason. This album is a testament to their deep connection and shared mastery of jazz, making it a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Track Listing:
1. A Porter’s Love Song (4:58)
2. I Don’t Need No Doctor (3:02)
3. My Ideal (4:40)
4. You Stayed Away Too Long (3:18)
5. On The Sentimental Side (3:12)
6. Ain’t That Love (4:26)
7. The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing (3:16)                                                         8. Ain’t Got Nobody to Grind My Coffee (3:38)
9. You Can Depend On Me (3:14)
10. South To A Warmer Place (5:44)
11. Waitin’ For The Train To Come In (3:49)

Album Credits:
Catherine Russell, vocals
Sean Mason, piano
Produced by Catherine Russell, Paul Kahn, and Katherine Miller

Recorded by Katherine Miller at Sear Sound, NYC, Studio A, August 23 & 24, 2023
Mixed by Katherine Miller at Annandale Recording
Mastering by Alan Silverman for Arf! Mastering

Photography Sandrine Lee 
Design Karin Elsener  
Notes Will Friedwald