Bruce Katz Band - Crescent Crawl

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"Amazing" is the only way to describe Bruce Katz's piano and Hammond B-3 organ playing. He has awesome technique along with that important "something extra" - soul. Get acquainted with one of the best new bands in jazz!

"After many years as a side man, Bruce Katz stepped out on his own in 1992 to record Crescent Crawl. Although it is an all-instrumental album, Katz is the "frontman" on this recording, taking the spotlight -- and most deservedly so -- on both piano and Hammond B-3 organ. Crescent Crawl blurs the line between blues and jazz (the utilization of an upright bass assists in this effort). The title tune has -- as you would expect -- has a New Orleans groove. "Contrition" appeared on Ronnie Earl's Still River a few years later when Katz was a member of Earl's band, although this version is a bit more understated. Both "Contrition" and "BK's Broiler" feature Katz on the B-3. "Buzz Cut" is essentially a swing tune, but one with a funky feel thanks to guitarist Kevin Barry's rhythmic backing. Billy Preston's "Will It Go Round in Circles" is superb. Katz closes with a harmonically complex solo piano version of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," a tune he also included in every live gig in the early '90s. This disc is about loose definitions of blues and jazz, strong grooves, and, first and foremost, improvisation -- Just check out the Irish jig that suddenly dances from Bob Malach's sax on "One Way Ticket"!"

- Ann Wickstrom (All Music Guide)

"Eclectic keyboardist Bruce Katz sets no limits on his imagination as he rocks the Hammond organ or tickles the piano."

-Tom Krehbiel, CD Review, June 1993

"I'm tellin' ya, he's downhome and uptown all at once, and that's a winning combination."

-The Boston Phoenix, July 9, 1993.

Performers
Bruce Katz - Organ, Piano
Bob Malach - Tenor Sax
Marty Ballou - Bass
Kevin Barry - Guitar
Lorne Entress - Drums

Recording
Produced by Joe Harley

2-AQM-1012