Search - Bruce Katz :: Three Off the Ground

At Least Three Feet Off The Ground!

11/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Three Feet Off The Ground" is yet another fine recording from this great all-instrumental New England-based band. Many people will be familiar with Bruce Katz's amazing keyboard talent from his years of outstanding work with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. In 1997, Bruce left the Broadcasters to focus on his own band--and what a band! The guys in this band have played together for quite awhile and they're some of the best musicians in the northeast. "Three Feet Off The Ground" really shows what they can do. This is their fourth CD together and, I think, their best though I love all their albums. Bruce has really hit his stride, as has guitarist Julien Kasper who definitely cuts loose on this one. Their creativity and musicianship are astounding, and the backing by drummer Ralph Rosen and acoustic bass player Blake Newman is, as always, energetic and perfectly suited to whatever is being played.This album has some of everything on it--blues, jazz, gospel, and even a little country flavor in the title track. (Check out the sound clip of that track!) The sound quality of the CD is superb, and every song is played with real feeling for the roots of the music. I've come to love the Hammond B3 (and there's plenty of B3 on "Three Feet Off The Ground" ), primarily because of Bruce's playing...what a great instrument it is when played by someone with Bruce's flair, skill and feel for it. This CD also includes the great Duke Robillard on two tracks, and Bruce Katz wrote the liner notes himself, which I find very refreshing.Living in the Boston area as I do, I get to hear the Bruce Katz Band relatively often--in fact, I never miss them if I can help it! So I can tell you that they are truly outstanding, both on their CDs and in their live performances--there just isn't a more exciting group around. They never play a song the same way twice because they're good enough to be able to do anything they want to with a song on the spur of the moment, and "Three Feet Off The Ground" reflects their spontaneity and inventiveness. They tour often, so if you have an opportunity to see the Bruce Katz Band in your area, don't miss them! They will definitely leave you feeling at least "Three Feet Off The Ground!""

This CD lifts me THREE FEET OFF THE GROUND

WB | Homeless, United States | 09/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say that this CD is a suberb effort by The Bruce Katz Band. I was first turned onto Bruce Katz about seven year ago, when he was with Ronny Earl and the Broadcasters. Man, he blew me away. I fell in love with the first album I heard by them, STILL RIVER. I loved the Broadcasters instrumental mix of Jazz, Blues, and Gospel. I finally got a chance to see Bruce play in 1997 and 98 and was totally amazed by his playing. WOW! those weren't overdubs of Bruces piano and organ playing together. He does it all himself, and does it beautifully. I was upset when I heard that Bruce quit the Broadcasters, but was elated to hear he started his own band. This album is another wonderful mix of Blues, Jazz, and Gospel, with a little mix of country. If you love the B-3 this album will lift you THREE FEET OFF THE GROUND!!"