An In Depth Interview with Ilana Katz Katz
Fiddler, Singer, Songwriter, Novelist, and Visual Artist Ilana Katz Katz casts a wide net of creative endeavors.
Ilana’s fiddling stems from the old-time Appalachian tradition and dives deep into the Blues. Her unique style – as a solo artist and in a band – has taken her to the stage and to the studio with greats such as (BMA) Blues Music Award Winner Ronnie Earl, BMA nominee Barry Levenson (Canned Heat), NY Blues Hall of Famer Bobby Radcliff, multi-grammy nominated Cedric Watson and Grammy nominee Chas Justus – to name a few. In addition to her Blues and Appalachian music mainstays, she is a versatile, improvisational musician, as comfortable performing solo in large theaters as she is being featured in 14 piece rock bands or on Boston’s Subway platforms (where you can find her most Fridays).
Ilana’s debut CD (2014), “I’ve Got Something To Tell You,” was very well-received, earning a finalist spot for “Coolest Blues Song in the World 2015” by Big City Blues Magazine for her original song “Marlyn’s Blues.” Ronnie Earl, who joined her on that record, also covered another of Ilana’s originals from that record – “Runnin’ in Peace” on his own “Good News” record. (Downloads are available for purchase on itunes, cdbaby, and amazon.com.)
Her new CD (2016) – “Movin’ On” – from Regina Royale Records – features Ilana, Cedric Watson, Barry Levenson and Bobby Radcliff. Ilana’s voice and fiddling put new spins on early traditional Blues songs and dovetails nicely into her more modern original songs and instrumentals. There is even Ilana scat singing while playing the fiddle. , (Hard-copy CDs available by clicking the graphic on the right, Digital Downloads from CD Baby, available now and iTunes and Amazon will have the record in a couple of weeks.) Official Release: March 2016.)
To find out about Ilana’s appearances and news, join her mailing list (which will never be sold or shared!) and like her Facebook page.
Ilana’s debut novel “The Underground” is a thought-provoking read, now available at Amazon.com. The futuristic dystopian romance showcases only one of her writing styles. Ilana has been a featured writer and won awards in fiction, journalism, and the technical communications arena. More novels are on the way.
Ilana is also a visual artist, known to paint and draw funny cat pictures and landscapes. In addition, she is an avid runner and has completed three marathons. She lives in Boston, MA and Newport, RI with her husband Warren and adorably lazy Katz Cat Boris.
