So sad to learn of the death of Sandi on June 23. A larger than life character, she brought an enthusiasm to the music that few could match and, although there have recently been several claimants regarding who arranged the first Durham Jazz Festival, I think Sandi could claim that distinction.
A lusty, gutsy, singer, she didn't take prisoners but gave her all at each and every performance.
I reviewed that first festival gig back in 2011 here and, although it wasn't gushing approval, she emailed me back thanking me.
She was quite a girl and I'll miss her, often wild, performances. Sandi did do subtle but not very often and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
A one off and someone who'll be very sadly missed. I guess there will be a few promoters throughout the land saying 'we should have booked her'.
1 comment :
Thank you Lance for marking the passing of a wonderful woman and a superb singer, who turned her training as a classical vocalist of exceptional range and -- I would argue -- subtlety to the art of jazz. Sandi Russell was rightly compared with Carmen McRae and highly praised by musicians including Humphrey Lyttelton and Brian Priestley, who knew where she was coming from (ultimately Harlem and the entire legacy of the twentieth century). After her career in Manhattan, she brought African American culture to enthusiastic European audiences through two one-woman shows: 'Render Me My Song' and 'ELLA!'. Critics described these performances as 'breath-taking' and 'compelling. Jazz Improv New York wrote of her CDs: 'Sandi Russell is a unique voice on the jazz scene'.
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