Updated: April 10, 2026
Born: July 5, 1963
A terrific voice. Charisma to spare. A delightful raconteur. Unassuming nice guy. All true of Russ Lorenson, whose burnished tenor and magnetic stage presence have dazzled audiences from San Francisco to Paris.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, the three-time MAC Award nominee has traced an artistic path from musical theatre to cabaret and ultimately to jazz, all rooted in the enduring tradition of the Great American Songbook. He is known for breathing new life into timeless classics, delivering every note with elegance, swing, and soul, whether commanding the spotlight in grand concert halls or captivating listeners in intimate settings.
The critics agree: “Lorenson doesn’t just sing songs — he brings them to life” (San Diego Union-Tribune), “His phrasing is masterful, his interpretations deeply personal” (JazzTimes), and “He’s not just keeping the Songbook alive — he’s making it matter” (BroadwayWorld).
Now an influential curator of vocal jazz playlists, Russ remains a passionate advocate for the Great American Songbook, preserving its legacy while introducing new generations to its magic. In 2026, he marks the 20th anniversary of his 2006 debut albums with newly reimagined editions and previously unreleased material.
More at linktr.ee/russlorenson
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Russ Lorenson: In The Holiday Spirit
by Jack Bowers
It's clear from the outset that San Francisco-based singer Russ Lorenson and the admirable Kelly Park Big Band are definitely In the Holiday Spirit on Lorenson's sparkling new CD, a few measures of which are all but certain to lend that same seasonal feeling of happiness and generosity to almost any listener. Lorenson, a clear-voiced tenor, sings from the heart, and his warmth and geniality are contagious. As for the band, it is a swinging companion on whose unwavering support ...
Continue ReadingSan Francisco's Beloved Crooner Releases New Jazz Album 'Standard Time: Live In New York' - Out Now On LML Records
Source:
Cyber PR
Russ Lorenson, acclaimed as “San Francisco’s Favorite Crooner," has released a live jazz-cabaret experience, under the independent label LML Music. He celebrated by MC’ing his album’s release in December at The Triad Theatre in New York with an all-star lineup of singers that included Billy Stritch, Mary Foster Conklin, Lennie Watts, Jennifer Roberts and #1 Billboard artist Spencer Day. All proceeds benefited the American Songbook Association. A passionate champion of The Great American Songbook, Lorenson has captivated audiences across the ...
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Crooner Russ Lorenson’s “in The Holiday Spirit”, A New And Swingin’ Classic Christmas Album, To Be Released November 6
Source:
RL Productions
Russ Lorenson, often called “San Francisco’s Favorite Crooner,” is releasing In The Holiday Spirit, which teams his warm voice with The Kelly Park Big Band. The new CD balances swinging “up” tunes with tender ballads, while consistently emphasizing the joy and fun of the holiday season. If you grew up listening to the Christmas albums of the classic crooners—Sinatra, Dino, Tony Bennett—no doubt you still pull out those holiday albums every year. And, at least once as you listen to ...
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Russ Lorenson Celebrates Eight Years Of Christmas In San Francisco
Source:
RL Productions
For the eighth year, singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson comes home for the holidays with his annual show, Christmas in San Francisco, for two performances only at 7:30pm on December 13 & 14 at Pa’ina Lounge & Restaurant, 1865 Post Street in jny:San Francisco. The guest artists for this year’s show are San Francisco jazz legends Wesla Whitfield, Mike Greensill and Veronica Klaus. Tickets are $25-$45 and available online at ChristmasInSF.com or by calling (415) 674-3863. Crooner Russ Lorenson ...
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Russ Lorenson Celebrates Five Years of "Christmas in San Francisco" on 12/22
Source:
RL Productions
Russ Lorenson comes home for the holidays with his fifth annual “Christmas in San Francisco with Russ Lorenson & Friends," for one performance only, 8:00pm on December 22nd at The Rrazz Room, 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102. . Guest artists for this year's show include San Francisco favorites Carly Ozard, Veronica Klaus, and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy. Skip the Christmas caroling this year and spend a cozy winter's evening with Russ Lorenson (http://www.russlorenson.com) and his special guests Carly Ozard, Veronica ...
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Russ Lorenson Brings Tony Bennett Tribute to San Diego, 8/22
Source:
RL Productions
San Diego native Russ Lorenson comes home with his acclaimed show, Benedetto/Blessed: Celebrating the Life and Music of Tony Bennett, for one performance only, at 5:00pm on August 22nd at The Celebration Cabaret, 5820 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121. Show tickets are $20-$42.50, and are available at here. Russ Lorenson honors an American music icon in his show, Benedetto/Blessed: Celebrating the Life and Music of Tony Bennett. Lorenson's tribute has enjoyed sold-out runs across the ...
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Russ Lorenson Set for Tony Bennett Tribute in San Francisco, 5/27-6/27
Source:
RL Productions
Russ Lorenson returns to San Francisco with his acclaimed show, Benedetto/Blessed: Celebrating the Life and Music of Tony Bennett, for five weeks beginning May 27th at The Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA, 94111. Performances are Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 6:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. The shows are being presented as part of the 2010 Something C.O.O.L. Summer Cabaret Festival. The best is yet to come as singer and recording artist Russ Lorenso honors an ...
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Jazz Vocalist Lorenson Debuts at Metropolitan Room with “Standard Time”
Source:
RL Productions
Jazz vocalist Russ Lorenson returns to New York after a two-year absence to make his debut at Manhattan’s “must-go-to venue” with a brand-new show, Standard Time, for two performances only, October 25 at 9:45pm and October 28 at 9:30pm, at The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010. Tickets are $25 per person, plus 2- beverage minimum, available by phone at (212) 206-0440. Did the Great American Songbook stop being written in 1959? ...
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Jazz Vocalist Russ Lorenson Debuts at Rrazz Room
Source:
All About Jazz
Jazz vocalist Russ Lorenson makes his debut at San Francisco's swankiest venue with a brand-new show, “Standard Time, “ for one performance only, October 12 at The Rrazz Room at the Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102. There used to be a time when pop music was jazz, when the hippest singers were also the most popular, and when the elastic swing of jazz propelled feet as well as toes. But with the dominance of hip-hop, the ...
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Russ Lorenson Returns to Austin with Tony Bennett's Best
Source:
RL Productions
Russ Lorenson returns to Austin with his acclaimed show, Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett, for two performances only, at Austin Cabaret Theatre, located at The Mansion at Judges' Hill, 1900 Rio Grande (MLK & Rio Grande), Austin, Texas 78705. Shows are March 27th and 28th at 8:30pm. The shows are being presented as part of the 2007-2008 season of the Austin Cabaret Theatre. The best is yet to come as ...
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Russ Lorenson Brings Tony Bennett's Best to the Wilson Center
Source:
RL Productions
Russ Lorenson brings his acclaimed show, Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett, to The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53045, for one show only, Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 1:00pm. The best is yet to come as singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson honors an American music icon in his show, Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett. Lorenson's tribute to the man ...
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"A showman of taste and discretion [who] admires Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin without imitating them or adopting a Rat Pack smugness."
- Downbeat
"There is nothing wrong with a little bit of Tony Bennett. Vocalist Russ Lorenson is proof that a little bit of Bennett can really do a lot...Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick, he is his own man. Lorenson’s baritone is almost like an instrument. It's richness, combined with his vocal phrasing is impeccable."
-Brenton Plourde, Jazz Review
Chet Baker
trumpet and vocals
Dianne Reeves
vocals
Blossom Dearie
piano and vocals
Chris Botti
trumpet
Rosemary Clooney
vocals
Tony Bennett
vocals
Bing Crosby
vocals
Harry Connick, Jr.
piano
Chris Connor
vocals
Diane Schuur
vocals
Bobby Short
piano
Susie Arioli
vocals
Michael Feinstein
piano and vocals
Jeri Southern
vocals
Fred Astaire
vocals
Tony DeSare
piano and vocalsArtists who share similar musical characteristics to Russ Lorenson.
