Kevyn Lettau
The Band
Russell Ferrante
Background: Russ's first exposure to music came from his church, where his father was the choir director as well as being a frequent vocal soloist and having a vocal gospel quartet. His father's whole family was music lovers and several of his brothers and sisters had marvelous voices, something Russ admits never got passed on to him. "I began piano lessons at 9 with the expectation that I'd one day be the church pianist. My musical interests took me elsewhere but my sister who is 2 years younger actually went on to fulfill my parent's dreams and is now directing the music program for a church in Watsonville, CA," Russ says.
Influences: "The first recording I heard that really got me excited about being a musician was "Swiss Movement" by Les McCann and Eddie Harris. I loved the way the musicians combined jazz, R&B, and gospel music. This marriage of jazz and R&B was something I heard a lot around San Jose where I grew up. There was one musician in particular, Clifford Coulter, who greatly inspired me.
"At around the same time, I was introduced to John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" and various recordings by Miles Davis. I didn't understand that music at all but nonetheless, I immediately loved it! Along with these recordings, I was listening to and drawing inspiration from The Beatles, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" and Joni Mitchell's first album "Clouds"." Non-Yellowjackets Projects
Artists Russ Has Performed With: "There are so many, but at the risk of omitting some, I'd say my favorite have been: Jimmy Witherspoon, Jim Pepper, Joe Farrell, Joni Mitchell, Bobby McFerrin, Robben Ford, Al Jarreau, Marilyn Scott, Kevyn Lettau, Ernie Watts, Sadao Watanabe, GRP Big Band, Lee Ritenour, Tom Scott, Take 6, Michael Franks, Eric Marienthal, and Brenda Russell."
What's New
Hello to everyone out there! Welcome to my brand new site! Thanks for tuning in! It's been 10 years since I had a CD come out in the States and it is such a huge Blessing.
Tour Dates
8/30/2008
Peter Sprague & I play as a Duo!!!
We just finished recording our Duo CD called entitled 'What is Enough?'
Come help us celebrate!
http://laveleejazzclub.com
8/17/2008
Brunch at Mario's Place
doors open at 2
We play from 3 to 5
Riverside
be sure to make a reservation!
951-684-7755
www.mariosplace.com
8/15/2008
Kevyn & Peter Sprague
Dizzy's in San Diego
8/2/2008
Kevyn at La Vee Lee
http://laveleejazzclub.com
6/27/2008
Duo Concert w. Russell Ferrante
La Vee Lee
2 shows 8:30 and 10:30
12514 Ventura Blvd. Studio City Ca. 91604
http://laveleejazzclub.com
5/11/2008
Mother's Day Concert
This is a really special event. There will be at least 10 singers each doing a few songs from the Great American Songbook!!!
Call Cathy Segal-Garcia for more info and tickets!
(818)368-8839 or email her at cathy@cathysegalgarcia.com