Date: December 3, 2016
Place: Acoustic Stage
There is something alluring about a woman and a fiddle. Can't quite put my finger on it, but none the less, captivating is how I would describe the music of Ilana Katz Katz. Blues fans from all over the country look forward every year to seeing new talent at this wonderful venue - the Bradenton Blues Fest. I had the privilege of meeting Ilana right before she went on stage. She was personable, friendly and artsy- all in one special personality. I could tell she was stoked to be in sunny Florida, via Boston. The weather for the festival was perfect, however Ilana was focused on her music as she was intent on presenting her own brand - a mix of Appalachia and the Blues to the sold out crowd in attendance. Ilana is no rookie. She has paid her dues playing and singing in the subway stations of Boston for years. The Bradenton Festival was a opportunity to showcase her talent. So confidently with fiddle in hand and a mic in front of her, she proceeded to win over new fans with music from her latest album entitled: Movin' On. After hearing many of the songs live I couldn't wait to listen to her studio recording , produced with a plethora of very special guests that were very happy to contribute to this project. For one - Grammy nominated Texas zydeco musician Cedric Watson. The list of dignitaries continues with guitarist songwriter, singer, Barry Levenson of Canned Heat fame. Not to mention veteran guitarist Bobby Radcliff and others. Stand out songs on the recording include Big Bill Broozy's; Sweet To Mama. Her own composition entitled: You Crush My Soul is a keeper that will have you humming the melody afterwards. Tanya features Bobby Radcliff and Ilana trading licks in a very catchy instrumental. I have heard a dozen or so takes on Kansas City, but Ms Katz Katz nails a very cool version with this rendition. My personal favorite was another one of Ilana's compositions: Cruel Willie Blues#2 -It will have your toes tappin'. As usual, I had my trusty Nikon camera available and caught a few photographs of Ilana in her zone. I will conclude with this thought. Anyone that has been given the stamp of approval by Ronnie Earl merits a listen to. Movin' On is available on Amazon and her website which I will include a link here.
www.ilanakatz.com
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