Ilana Katz Katz

Movin’ On

Regina Royale Records

Ilana Katz, fiddle, married Warren Katz therefore she became Ilana Katz Katz. Ilana is also a busker. She plays her fiddle in the Boston subway system collecting donations from who ever enjoys her music. She attended a Billy Boy Arnold concert where she met Ronnie Earl. Earl embraced her artistry and he appears on her debut album “I’ve Got Something to Tell You”. Perhaps more importantly he included her “Running in Peace” song written about the bombing at the Boston Marathon on his own 2014 “Good News” recording.

Katz, who recently played the Bradenton Blues Festival on December 3^rd, just released her sophomore album on Regina Royale Records. On it we get to hear her play fiddle and sing in a variety of styles from old-timey to contemporary blues.

On this new recording Katz is joined by Grammy nominee Cedric Watson who has established himself within the Creole music community both as a fiddler and member of The Pine Leaf Boys. She is also joined by Canned Heat guitarist Barry Levenson; and by guitarist Bobby Radcliff who has recorded eight albums of his own.

Katz opens with “Baby Please Don’t Go” a traditional tune recorded and popularized by Big Joe Williams in 1935. Katz plays her fiddle in an Appalachian style while Watson plays on a gourd banjo. Katz sings “there’s a man done gone” and they harmonize on the chorus.

“Sweet to Mama” is from Big Bill Broonzy. It’s performed in a modern blues style with some nice guitar from Levenson. Katz is playful as she sings “my car needs crankin’”.

“Reuben’s Train” is a traditional fiddle tune once again featuring Watson on banjo. I don’t believe I ever heard lyrics to this song. This is fabulously performed by Katz who reminds me a bit of early Pete Seeger.

“You Crush My Soul” is an original song written by Katz. This is absolute perfection and I can imagine Lucinda Williams covering it. Levenson is on guitar.

“Tanya” is a jazzy instrumental written by Joe Liggins and performed with Radcliff on guitar and Dave Moore on drums.

“Blues for Bobby Radcliff” is an original dedicated to her friend. Watson is on second fiddle while Chas Justus is on an acoustic guitar.

Katz pays tribute to her home town as she sings and plays fiddle on the Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller classic “Kansas City”. Radcliff is on guitar as Katz sings “they got some crazy little women there and some people say I’m one”.

“Demon Blues” is an original from Katz with the lyric “I’m your Demon Blues and I’m here to stay”. Radcliff’s rhythm guitar and solo are perfect.

“Lazy John/Sail Away Ladies” is another traditional tune. Katz’s fiddle is fantastic as Watson plays banjo and sings.

Watson, plays banjo, bass and sings again on “Forevermore” another original tune from Katz whose fiddle playing is highlighted by Daniel Sanda beating on a hand drum.

Radcliff is on guitar again on a new version of Katz’s “Cruel Willie Blues” reprised from her debut album. Katz’s fiddle and scat singing is exceptional.

“Greasy Coat” is a traditional tune with lyrics by Katz. The coat she sings about is a condom. “I don’t drink and I don’t smoke, my man won’t wear no greasy coat, we got nine kids, I don’t want no more”. This is another fabulous song from Katz.

“Jack of Diamonds” the traditional song that closes out this fine album is inspired by the late Tommy Jarrell (1901 – 1985), an Appalachian fiddler and banjo player from the Mount Airy region of North Carolina.

This album gets better and better with every listen.  Katz’s understated vocals are incredibly beautiful. Her knowledge of her instrument and appreciation for roots music ensure she will be around for a very long while. I can imagine Katz in many different musical situations. I understand she already has another recording in the works. I can’t wait to hear it.

Richard Ludmerer