When Pastor John Garcia Gensel came to Saint Peter’s in 1966, he brought jazz with him. Encouraged by Ruth Ellington, this prayer service — the first of its kind — has been, from the very beginning, not merely a ministry to jazz musicians and the jazz community, but a ministry with jazz musicians and the jazz community.  Howard McGhee, who played with Charlie Parker, led Jazz Vespers on May 15 of that year. Joe Newman, former Count Basie trumpeter, led on May 22. With few exceptions, Jazz Vespers has been held weekly ever since.

Description text goes hereHailed as “a wonderfully charismatic performer with a show-stopping voice” by The Washington Post, Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist / composer / bandleader, and Louis Armstrong's long-time musical director. Her mother, the late Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist / guitarist / bassist who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. 

With universal acclaim, Catherine Russell has performed on four continents. She's been a hit at major Jazz Festivals including Monterey, Newport, North Sea, JazzAscona, Montreal, Bern, Rochester International, Panama, Tanglewood, and at sold out venues like The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Scullers in Boston, The Dakota in Minneapolis, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC, SFJazz in San Francisco, and Pasadena Pops in Los Angeles. All Music Guide says, "Russell emerged as a retro old school vocalist for the ages." 

Her repertoire features a selection of gems from the 1920s through the Present; vital interpretations, bursting with soul and humor. With an off-the-beaten-path song selection, sparkling acoustic swing, and a stunning vocal approach, Catherine Russell has joined the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Song.