Bruce Katz Band – Back in Boston Live: A Musical Journey Worth Taking
Ah, Bruce Katz! The man with fingers so nimble they could probably serenade a raccoon in a dumpster. Born on August 19, 1952, in Brooklyn, NY, he has taken more twists and turns in his music career than a soap opera plotline. You may know him for his stellar piano and Hammond organ skills. Who knew something so electric could come out of Brooklyn? But this isn’t just any comparison; this is the magical realm where jazz meets blues, and ol’ Bruce is the daring wizard carving out each note with precision.
The Band, The Legend, The Electricity
Piano? Check. Hammond organ? Check. Sense of humor? Well, that depends on how you interpret “Don’t feel so good today.” Yes, Katz has toured with legends like Big Mama Thornton and Gregg Allman, which makes him feel like the Indiana Jones of the music world—always in the mix of incredible talent and possibly dodging arrows of mediocrity. It’s commendable how he’s grabbed the back of the bandwagon, steering us back to Boston live, as if he’s the personal Uber driver of jazz.
Back in Boston Live: The Juicy Details
So here we are—2024—and Katz has blessed us with his latest live recording, Back in Boston Live, a slightly cheeky affair recorded at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts, on March 1 and 2. As if the title wasn’t nostalgic enough, the album consists of nine original tracks and two covers. For a man who’s seemingly been around forever, that’s quite a feat. Ah, let’s go through the track list, shall we?
- 01. The Czar
- 02. Blues Before Sunrise
- 03. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
- 04. Don’t Feel So Good Today
- 05. Get Your Groove
- 06. Gary’s Jam
- 07. Dreams of Yesterday
- 08. Take The Green Line
- 09. BK’s Broiler
- 10. Just an Expression
- 11. For Brother Ray
Standout Tracks that’ll Make You Tap Your Feet
Let’s kick things off with The Czar. I could wax lyrical about this tune, but it feels better to just say: Wow. Katz is a virtuoso, elegantly strutting his stuff on the Hammond like a peacock sans feathers, strutting for approval. Then there’s Blues Before Sunrise; I can only assume Leroy Carr is nodding in pleasure from the great beyond as Katz dials up the feels with Jesse Williams and Liviu Pop backing him up.
And then, hold onto your hats, folks, we have the emotional carpenter’s dream—In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, a nine-minute opus that draws you in like a seasoned fisherman with tales of the sea. Katz’s flair for the organ has never radiated so intensely. Come back to the playful side of him with Don’t Feel So Good Today, a track that could cure your Monday blues—if only musically; I can’t promise it’ll solve existential crises.
Instrumental Madness and Heartfelt Homage
Moving along, there’s the New Orleans-infused Get Your Groove, where he continues to shine. I mean, how does he keep those keys from bursting into flames? Following that is a jam session called Gary’s Jam. Fun fact: if you ever want to get a party started, just play this track and watch everyone’s feet start tapping before they even realize it.
Now, we’ve also got the stunning instrumental ballad Dreams of Yesterday, where Katz’s piano charms will have you daydreaming about sunny afternoons and sweet tea. The album closes with a homage: For Brother Ray, a lovely tribute to Ray Charles that could revive even the most jaded musical spirits. Test your eardrums on that one—thank me later.
The Verdict: Not Just a Band, but an Experience
So, if you’re looking for an album that wraps the warmth of a live performance around your soul, Back in Boston Live is your ticket. Bruce Katz Band isn’t just good; they’re a kaleidoscope of musical mastery, showcasing originality that’ll make competing bands green with envy. It’s the kind of album you want to spin—preferably on a record player, while wearing a funky hat. Trust me; life is too short for boring music.
In conclusion, Bruce Katz has created a masterpiece that stands out in the current scene. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just someone who enjoys rhythm in their life, this live album warrants a spot on your playlist. Go on, treat your ears—after all, life is too short to listen to bad music. And if you’re still unsure, I dare you to listen to BK’s Broiler without tapping your foot!
Bruce Katz Band – Back in Boston Live (Dancing Rooster Records 2024)
Bruce Katz, born on August 19, 1952, in Brooklyn, NY, laid the groundwork for an illustrious musical career by initially studying classical piano as a child. His passion for music led him to the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his skills in jazz piano and the iconic Hammond organ. Katz’s professional journey took flight when he was asked to play bass for the legendary Big Mama Thornton, an experience that opened doors for collaborations with notable artists such as ‘Barrence Whitfield and The Savages’ and ‘Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters’. In 1997, he took a bold step forward by forming his own band, simultaneously balancing a robust touring schedule and contributing to various other musical ensembles. From 2007 to 2013, Katz cemented his reputation as a talented musician by regularly performing with ‘Gregg Allman and Friends’. His notable partnership with Delbert McClinton spanned from 2011 to 2014, further enriching his artistic repertoire.
Katz’s versatility is evident from his involvement with ‘Butch Trucks and The Freight Train Band’ and ‘Les Brers’. A prolific figure in the recording industry, Katz has made his mark on more than seventy albums, including five collaborations with the soulful Mighty Sam McClain. His 2014 signing with American Showplace Music ushered in a new era, highlighted by the release of his album Homecoming, which earned him a well-deserved nomination for the Blues Music Award in 2015, recognizing him in the esteemed Pinetop Perkins Pianist of the Year category—an accolade he has pursued four times. In 2016, he showcased his growth as an artist with the release of Out from the Center, which not only displayed his musical talents but also climbed to the #1 spot on the Roots Music Report radio chart.
This hotly anticipated album, Back in Boston Live, was expertly recorded at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts, over the course of March 1 and 2, 2024. The album features an impressive lineup of nine original tracks alongside two thoughtfully chosen cover songs. Among these are noteworthy titles like The Czar, Blues Before Sunrise, and In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, all showcasing Katz’s remarkable artistry.
The opening track, The Czar, sets the tone for the album with a mesmerizing instrumental showcase where Katz shines on the Hammond, demonstrating both exceptional technique and boundless creativity. Following this, Blues Before Sunrise, originally penned by Leroy Carr, showcases a fantastic collaboration featuring Katz on piano, bolstered by Jesse Williams on bass, Liviu Pop on drums, and the expressive vocals of Aaron Lieberman, culminating in a stunning solo from Katz himself.
A standout moment arrives with In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, a haunting nine-minute jazz instrumental crafted by Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers, during which Katz returns to the rich sounds of the organ. He then delights listeners with a playful boogie-woogie performance in Don’t Feel So Good Today, perfectly capturing the joyous spirit of the band. The New Orleans-style instrumental Get Your Groove further exhibits Katz’s mastery on the piano, setting the stage for the moving musical journey that follows.
Gary’s Jam predominantly features Katz on the Hammond organ, transitioning smoothly into bluesy vocals from Aaron Lieberman midway through, evoking the essence of the Blues Brothers. The instrumental ballad Dreams of Yesterday, showcases Katz’s emotive piano work paired beautifully with Lieberman’s slide guitar skills. Katz takes center stage once more in the jazzy blues Take The Green Line, demonstrating his varied musical prowess through three additional instrumental tracks that round out this captivating album. The closing piece, Just an Expression, intricately weaves funk and jazz with sophistication, while the album concludes with a heartfelt homage to Ray Charles in For Brother Ray. Bruce Katz has indeed crafted a masterpiece with Back in Boston Live, firmly establishing the Bruce Katz Band as one of today’s most innovative and compelling musical groups.
**Interview with Bruce Katz: A Musical Journey with “Back in Boston Live”**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Bruce! Excited to have you here. Your latest album, *Back in Boston Live*, has just dropped, and fans are raving about it. Can you tell us what inspired this live recording?
**Bruce Katz:** Thank you! It feels great to be back in Boston, a city that holds a special place in my heart. The inspiration really came from my desire to capture the magic of live performances. There’s a unique energy that fills a venue when the audience connects with the music, and I wanted to bottle that experience with this album.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been in the industry for quite some time and have played with some legendary names. How did those experiences shape your own sound and what listeners hear in this album?
**Bruce Katz:** Absolutely! Every musician I’ve collaborated with, like Big Mama Thornton and Gregg Allman, taught me something valuable. Their influence runs deep in my music. For this album, I focused on blending jazz and blues while still letting my unique voice shine through on the Hammond and piano. I wanted *Back in Boston Live* to reflect that ongoing journey of growth and discovery.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about the tracks! “The Czar” has received specific praise for its instrumental brilliance. What does that song represent for you?
**Bruce Katz:** “The Czar” is like the opening act of our performance. It showcases my passion for improvisation and offers a glimpse into the rhythm and interaction that fuels our live shows. It feels like a conversation between the instruments, and I love how it draws the audience in right from the start.
**Interviewer:** You’ve incorporated some covers into the album alongside your original compositions. What’s your approach when choosing covers?
**Bruce Katz:** I always look for songs that resonate emotionally with me or that I feel I can offer a unique interpretation of. For instance, “Blues Before Sunrise” connects with the soulful blues tradition that inspired me. It’s about honoring the original while bringing my character and flavor into the arrangement.
**Interviewer:** Your sense of humor shines through the album, especially in tracks like “Don’t Feel So Good Today.” How important is that lightheartedness in your music?
**Bruce Katz:** Humor is essential! Music can touch deep emotions, but it can also be a fun and joyous experience. “Don’t Feel So Good Today” takes a playful jab at that universal feeling we all have. I think it’s important to remember not to take ourselves too seriously all the time. Music should feel liberating.
**Interviewer:** Your live performances have a notorious reputation for getting the audience involved. How do you maintain that energy while recording?
**Bruce Katz:** It’s all about being present. During the recording of *Back in Boston Live*, I invited our audience into the moment. Their energy and engagement are palpable, and I made sure to focus on that synergy in the studio. You can’t replicate a live vibe, but you can certainly try to channel it through the recording.
**Interviewer:** what do you hope listeners take away from *Back in Boston Live*?
**Bruce Katz:** I hope they feel the warmth of a live performance and get swept up in the music’s storytelling. Whether they’re seasoned jazz lovers or someone new to the genre, I want them to experience joy, nostalgia, and a sense of connection. Music is meant to be shared, and I hope every spin of this album brings a bit of that collective experience to life.
**Interviewer:** Thanks so much, Bruce. Your passion for music is contagious, and *Back in Boston Live* is a testament to that!
**Bruce Katz:** Thank you! It was great to chat, and I hope to see everyone at a live show soon!
