Album Notes

RUSS KASSOFF is an accomplished jazz pianist, conductor, composer, orchestrator, and arranger, and was praised by the New York Times in 2004 as possessing a "precision and enthusiasm that is riveting." 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 conducted for Charles Aznavour on Broadway in 1999.
Russ’s accompaniment credits include Steve Allen, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Sammy Cahn, Vic Damone, Monica Mancini, Barry Manilow and Rita Moreno. Russ has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City and Avery Fisher halls. His jazz duo has performed regularly at the Knickerbocker in NYC since '84. Russ is the sole writer and arranger for the Russ Kassoff Big Band, featured in the November ’05 premiere performance of “Big Band Broadway” starring Tony award winner Debbie Gravitte.
As associate producer Russ wrote all of the arrangements and recorded CD’s for Catherine Dupuis’ critically acclaimed “The Rules Of The Road” CD, Martha Lorin, Jasper Kump, & Toby Parker and the forthcoming CD of Andrea Loftus.
As a recording musician Russ has performed on many projects including those of Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sylvia Syms, Chris Connor, Bucky Pizzarelli, Carly Simon & Rod Stewart.
As a concert jazz pianist Russ has appeared and continues to be a featured performer at the Pensacola Jazz Festival, The Toronto Jazz Festival (with Carol Sloane), The State College Jazz Festival, The Milford Music Festival and The Sackets Harbor Jazz Festival.
2006 marks the release of Russ’s debut CD “Somewhere” featuring a collection of solo and trio jazz performances with Martin Wind on bass and Tim Horner on drums.
Visit www.russkassoff.com for schedule and biography information and the ever expanding RK celebrity deli wall of fame!