Catherine Russell: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

NPR Music's Tiny Desk series will celebrate Black History Month with Tiny Desk (home) concerts featuring legends in the world of R&B, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop. Each artist in this legacy lineup has helped to define Black music as we know it and will be performing a Tiny Desk concert for the first time.
Suraya Mohamed | February 11, 2022
Look around the GB's Juke Joint studio in Long Island City, N.Y. and you will see adornments from jazz singer Catherine Russell's home: a vintage Royal typewriter, a black dial phone, a red tiny desk and a striking Malian Bògòlanfini cloth that drapes the piano. Black and white photos of Billie Holiday and old-time big bands rest on the shelves and piano along with a copy of Russells' soon-to-be-released album, Send For Me, out April 1.
Two-color paintings hang on the back wall. One was purchased by Russell from a local Panamanian artist while visiting Bocas Del Toro, her father's birthplace. The other is from the studio's collection: an image of Willie Dixon, one of the fathers of the early blues.
Russell, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist, is one of the most recognized jazz artists performing today. Behind the mic, her satiny voice is robust and relaxed, and it's clear she and the band are having a ton of fun. They start this joyful set with a foot-stomping swing tune, "The Darktown Strutters' Ball." Written by the African American composer Shelton Brooks, this popular early jazz standard hasn't lost its bounce more than a century later.
Russell's music is informed by many early 20th century musicians, and especially inspired by the Black blues women of the 1920s. Her set highlights that influence with "He May Be Your Dog But He's Wearing My Collar" by vaudeville singer Rosa Henderson. She also sings a tune written by her father, Luis Russell, a renowned pianist and composer who was Louis Armstrong's long-time musical director. "Lucille" is a playful love story about Armstrong's fourth and longest-lasting marriage. The set ends with an inspiring bluesy song, "You've Been A Good Old Wagon," one of the first ragtime songs ever published.
SET LIST
"The Darktown Strutters' Ball"
"He May Be Your Dog But He's Wearing My Collar"
"Lucille"
"You've Been A Good Old Wagon"
MUSICIANS
Catherine Russell: vocals
Matt Munisteri: guitar, banjo, musical director
Tal Ronen: bass
Mark McLean: drums
Sean Mason: piano
CREDITS
Executive Producer: Paul Kahn
Technical Supervisor: Glen Forrest
Recorded by Hector Castillo & Colin Mohnacs
Video Production: Ross Mayfield
Cameras: Ross Mayfield & Andrés Cottin
Filmed at GB's Juke Joint, Long Island City, NY
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Video Producer: Joshua Bryant
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#catherinerussell #nprmusic #tinydesk #bhmxnprmusic

[@mrsapplez2007]

Listen, that tambourine playing was worthy of any church aunty 🤣🤣🤣

[@elleoftwocities]

Okay! He was breaking it down

[@bonzomcduffy8336]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAA!!!!

[@mrsapplez2007]

@@elleoftwocities he really was

[@iamsharon3306]

I felt TRANSFORMED back into time. Like I walked into a time machine. That was such a treat! Tiny DESK should be deemed a National Treasure.

[@islandgal2583]

EXACTLY 👍🏾😁 ...... felt like I was listening to one of them old Sunday matinee tv shows (quality classic music) ..... Luuuuuv it 👍🏾💜

[@loislanesalters8574]

I agree. I had no idea how much I enjoyed this

[@Kevin6059]

Recognized her from her work with Bowie, and glad I checked this out as I'm a huge Jazz fan. That's two cool jazz singers I've been turned onto in the last couple of weeks, the other being Jazzmeia Horn. I tell you, Tiny Desk and KEXP combine for about 90% of my new great music finds lately.

[@elainamonique]

Many of the songs I have added to my repertoire came through hearing Madame Catherine’s interpretations of said songs. What a treasure she is is!

[@Rosyid2040]

Miss Russell, this is my first time hearing your music, and you sound very fantastic. God bless you, Miss!

[@LynnHamilton]

I was unfamiliar with Miss Russell, but so glad Tiny Desk made her known to me! Great performance!

[@loislanesalters8574]

Me too

[@elhoward7440]

You've probably heard her singing before with Steely Dan or David Bowie, and just never knew who it was.

[@west4coast77]

Catherine Russell is such a skilled and charming vocalist. Her respect and dedication for the material is undeniable. And the band of talented musicians, play like they've been performing the material in juke joints since the 1920's. Looks and sounds great too! Kudos all.

[@amandab1064]

Spot on!

[@dirtyds69]

she’s so into it, loved this! And the piano player’s line during lucille 👌🏽👌🏽❤️

[@bayareaknight4814]

Musicians and a vocalist are in here. Excellent....🎶

[@plumbawl5977]

The absolute timeless energy and channeling is so contagious with respectful original jam, blending, makes tired bones groove and grind! Awesome, Catherine Russell, Martin Munisteri, Tal Ronen, Mark McLean, Sean Mason and the NPR Crew! This A M has meaning!

[@valiizajames925]

🔥🔥🔥...Ms. Russell sang "He maybe your 🐕, but he's wearin' my colla"...I was done after that!

[@stylebykatb.5661]

What a delightful performance! Don’t know much about her but enjoyed this very much! That’s what I love about Tiny Desk you get introduced to artists you never knew were around. Awesome! I really loved her voice on Lucille.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *The Darktown Strutters' Ball* (2:56) 4:03 - *He May Be Your Dog But He's Wearing My Collar* (8:04) 8:20 - *Lucille* 12:17 - *You've Been A Good Old Wagon* [16:20 - Tiny Desk team]

[@BossQueen]

😄

[@bigtimedrum]

I have worked with Catherine years ago and she is a true vocalist and a gem to hang out with .... Love it .

[@MrAlexeysf]

Incredibly charming musical performance

[@BossQueen]

Good morning from Washington D.C.🌞😄💯🎶

[@kaeuymah]

Just started the video, but I can already tell Catherine and the band are here to give us a good ole fashion jam session. Thank you for having them, Tiny Desk; I’ve just become a fan. 🙌🏾🎶

[@MyChannel-rf8ic]

Fantastic -- would like to hear more of this.

[@karibear6504]

The talent, the charm and the warm personalities of this woman and her band transport you to another place and time.

[@abaneyone]

Love these historical blasts from the past!

[@user-sq2et9ub4d]

The best musicians today are great too~~~❤️❤️

[@krzysztof9120]

What a sound !! And the voice! Wow. You put me in a great mood with this swing music.

[@giorgiabracchi9675]

Simply marvellous!!!❤

[@enochkoena4243]

Amazing how i was listening to Catherine Russel in the morning and here i am coming across her tiny desk performance a few hours later

[@didierleclair2310]

Catherine Russell is a bonified soul/jazz/blues queen. Her musicians are very intune. Magnificent 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿❤❤❤

[@markfairgray9773]

We had the pleasure to enjoy Catherine live in NYC in 2020 at Birdland. She’s the real deal when it comes to Jazz. We will follow her and her music 🎶 to the end of the world 🌎

[@bucketofbarnacles]

This is just superb.

[@ulfforsberg4935]

This lady is just lovely!

[@amandab1064]

Fabulous! 💙💙💙

[@benitavermeulen3900]

Wow! Nice...enjoy this! 🌻🎶😀👌🌺

[@indramami9080]

BRAVOOO! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS! 🙌🏼💕❤️💕💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

[@igorevasas]

it doesnt get any better than this guys. this is it. the soul, the love, and the music. amen

[@mohammedzakariaali1169]

I wasn’t in the mood and clicked for a quick check and then… you know the story😂🤣❤️❤️

[@Nocoslim]

I heard of her for the first time today and im going to see her perform tomorrow im excited!!

[@consciouslynani2546]

Ooooo I love her!!! Such good energy!!

[@rebeccaweston1583]

Oh my. This. Fabulous collective performance .

[@marymunro1142]

So glad she stepped out of the background. She has “IT” and deserves her own applause!

[@sharishakti9075]

Wow!!! I loved dancing about to this music this morning. Thank you!💃🙏🏻😁

[@bonniekindler4885]

Fantastic! Love Catherine Russell!!!

[@RichardWritesOn]

“Your dog but wearing my collar!” That is clever! A precursor to “Barbara, this is Shirley…..” 😂😂

[@Percussiongurl]

🤣🤣

[@thendrix58]

Love your music, Miss Catherine! Hugs and love from Louisiana!!!!

[@michelmedina3978]

un ravissement pour ceux qui comme moi aiment le Swing et le groove.

[@reneeford3800]

Alright! Enjoyed this and what fun

[@sousapro]

Excellent performance, thank you all so much dear lady and gents!

[@risays812]

Absolutely fantastic; I had so much fun listening to this!

[@myrtlejenkins8596]

She's so fantastic!

[@linavelasco0]

Beautiful music❤

[@v.a.l.5165]

Energy, connection, musicality, showmanship... wonderful! That's why people reference singers of the 'old school' that give of themselves every moment they are on the stage.

[@butyoucancallmesam]

This reminds me so much of New Orleans and riding the river boat!

[@bmardu0972]

Great songs, great feeling and her voice is amazing

[@nadaromakov1369]

Prekrasno ... toliko šarma , ljupkosti i talenta cele ekipe čini da uživamo u svakoj noti opet , i opet . Divno !

[@thylaswing]

One of my favourite singers. Loved it!

[@amusicment4829]

Wonderful! Loved this concert ❤️

[@marymunro1142]

This is so great! I have been so depressed lately and now I find myself smiling inside and out.

[@JotaOrtiz]

Great stuff Catherine!

[@constancemuller9775]

Thank you. Loved your concert!

[@ant-space]

Amazing! Tiny lady, huge voice!

[@cordelia2474]

Yes 👑 and thank you Tiny Desk for the intro to this beautiful voice 💜

[@ballroomgolfer]

Love your music!!!

[@nofutur5102]

Catherine is an absolute delight. What a set! 🖤

[@normandulloagomez5778]

Catherine Russell is a Amazing singer I met her 4 years ago in México, she a came to Campeche at jazz festival, cool moments

[@estelajimenez670]

Love her music am a Fan

[@MsDorisann]

Do it Mrs. Catherine Russell, she is Awesome!!!

[@unekka33]

Amazing 🥳🥳🥳

[@GABRIELPOASP]

Amazing😍❤️

[@user-er6tp4xu1t]

So cute grandma，i like ur jazz music .so amazing.

[@labitalocamusic]

My favorite Tiny Desk so far this year. The energy is fantastic! I am probably responsible for about 100 of these views.

[@JillTonic]

Great performance! Love it ! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@anabellarahman5097]

What a wonderful music!

[@victormashatt2521]

Wow. What a smooth voice and killer band.

[@fanfare100]

Lovely!

[@tuberecordingstudio]

This band is COOL

[@estudiofarex3836]

wau perfecto. muchas gracias

[@jamaarbrundidge1395]

They sound so good 🎶🎵🎼🥁🎹

[@jicraw98]

Great music 👌🎶

[@Mysterialic]

I love this genre so much. Thank you, Fallout.

[@evan.hongzhengyang7135]

So great!!

[@DrWasabiBeats]

Sooo goood!!! 💚

[@arpprice]

❤️ Catherine is the best!

[@Coflo]

the engineers on this one deserves an award. Magnificent recording and post!

[@robr.3679]

Love this! Not a still foot in the house!

[@smlovejoy]

Oh my goodness! What a precious gem she is!

[@anhanh057]

this made my cry! she's so amazinggg

[@evanbragin9620]

An old soul producing pure gold👌

[@DRNIKKI4TheOOU]

Love=Life=Consciousness=Truth=Being=Soul=Spirit=Creator=Joy. The very thing that gives you life is one with joy. And ain't that the blues: an expression of joy in the most sorrowful of circumstances... The egotist can't stand your joy. It is one of the clearest indicators of his dysfunction--he has none. That's part of why he works so hard to try and keep you from it (unless its for his profit), especially when he knows your joy has nothing to do with him...

[@BarbItalia]

Wow!!!

[@JeRsEyFeMmE]

I loved this! 😍

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Honoring your father is your treasure and peace

[@W00PIE]

I love it 🥰

[@ShervyseSmiles]

Love it 🙌🏽❤️👏🏽

[@PaulMLombardi]

I enjoyed this so much--thank you!

[@thehomiejayomni]

Vibes on 💯

[@elsamoz1757]

Oh, she’s wonderful!

[@january2798]

A blast from the past.

[@ajude234]

This is uplifting my workday.

[@nosovguitar]

Real Stars!

[@theoooms7277]

wow, just great!

[@jasonbrown6686]

So good !!

[@levih8027]

Thank you for this good morning jam 🙂

[@vitorcardosoo]

Top!!!