Catherine Russell and John Pizzarelli: Billie and Blue Eyes

Invoking Lady Day and Frank Sinatra has obvious benefits and risks. While it can attract an audience, it can also invite comparisons. When Catherine Russell and John Pizzarelli recently did their popular show Billie and Blue Eyes at SOPAC in South Orange, NJ, there were only benefits. These are two major artists with successful independent careers, but they occasionally unite for this crowed pleasing evening together. Their format is constant and simple: he first does songs associated with Frank Sinatra, next she joins him to sing songs associated with Billie Holiday. They then finish as an unaccompanied duo. They never try to mimic the two lost legends. There is no need as they have their own time proven popular styles. Mr. Pizzarelli began the show with his two current excellent sidemen: Isaiah J. Thompson on piano and Mike Karn on bass. Mr. Karn has been with him for some years, but the 20 something Mr. Thompson is a newer addition. He is but the latest in an impressive list of pianists Pizzarelli has selected to showcase his music, and they fit so well they attracted our attention by just augmenting his performances. For about 45 minutes, the three played classics such as “Witchcraft,” and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” The m