“Into The Blue” single cover photo by Noy Finer
Catherine Russell Co-Produces Vocalist Layla’s Debut EP, Into The Blue
First single, “Into The Blue” is out July 10
Listen and Learn About Layla – Into The Blue
“I’ve been mentoring Layla for the past decade. Layla is a naturally gifted artist whose beautiful voice has universal appeal.” – Catherine Russell
Catherine Russell, the GRAMMY Award winning vocalist, continues to expand her work as a producer with the release of Into The Blue, the debut EP from vocalist and songwriter Layla. Co-produced with Gerry Leonard, the musical director and guitarist known for his work with David Bowie and Suzanne Vega. Layla’s EP is Catherine’s latest project behind the board. Into The Blue follows Catherine’s recent production of Paul Kahn‘s Willingness, released this past June on CarlCat Records, and her own “Live at Lincoln Center,” which Catherine co-produced, released this past April on Dot Time Records.
The title track, “Into The Blue,” co-written by Layla and Gerry Leonard, will be released as the first single on July 10. Subsequent singles, including two covers and one Layla original, will drop throughout the year. David Bowie’s “Lady Grinning Soul,” is a nod to both Layla’s love of Bowie, and Catherine Russell and Gerry Leonards’ time together as members of David Bowie’s last touring band, will be released on August 21. Layla’s haunting original “All For You,” drops on October 2, while a final tune, Layla’s heartfelt cover of Joni Mitchell’s “All I Want,” completes the EP with a release on November 6.
Layla is a genre-blending vocalist and songwriter with twin roots in Woodstock, New York and Athens, Greece. Her music is intimate and atmospheric, weaving lush, ambient textures with acoustic elements and a voice that is both timeless and transportive. Influenced by the rock and folk traditions of her hometown and by the tonalities of traditional Greek music, she draws on a foundation in classical music and a degree from The School for Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School to shape a distinctive blend of alternative art pop, folk rock, and jazz. She has performed at venues and festivals including the Bern International Jazz Festival, Levon Helm Studios, the Bearsville Theater, Mercury Lounge, and the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice.
Catherine’s relationship with Layla developed from mentorship into a full production partnership. In addition to co-producing Into The Blue, Catherine contributed backing vocals to the EP, working alongside Gerry Leonard to shape the project’s arrangements and sound. That same mentorship has extended into other recorded work. Earlier this year, Catherine brought Layla in to share backing vocals duties on Willingness, their two voices steeped in the traditions of rock and soul, shaped the projects’ distinctive flavor. “Into The Blue” marks the culmination of a decade of collaboration between Layla and Catherine, and stands as a showcase for Catherine’s continued work as a producer for artists she believes in.
Into The Blue Production Credits:
Produced by Gerry Leonard & Catherine Russell
Executive Producer: Marty Jeiven
Recorded at GB’s Juke Joint, LIC, NY
Recorded and mixed by: Hector Castillo
Mastering: Alan Silverman at Arf! Productions
Management: Paul Kahn & Catherine Russell
Special Thanks to Glen Forrest
The Musicians:
Layla: Vocals
Gerry Leonard: Musical director, arranger, guitars
Daniel Mintseris: Keyboards
Jeff Allen: Bass
Doug Yowell: Drums
Catherine Russell: Backing Vocals
Upcoming Layla appearance:
August 25, New York, NY: Bowery Palace 7pm
Catherine Russell Upcoming Tour Dates:
https://www.catherinerussell.net/tour