Episode 12:
Musical joy in subway busking
with Ilana Katz Katz
Our Guest
Ilana just returned from performing at Florida’s sold-out Bradenton Blues Festival in early December of 2016 and was tagged “a rising star with her own blend of Blues and old-time Appalachian fiddling,” by Blues reviewer Richard Ludmerer. Her current CD, Movin’ On (March 2016) was just selected as one of the top 10 records in 2016 – across all genres – by esteemed music critic Steve Morse (28 years as Boston Globe’s senior rock critic, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, VH1 music interviewer etc…). Movin’ On has also been climbing onto radio stations most-played lists, in addition to receiving stellar print reviews world-wide.
Ilana began as a busker, playing every Friday in Boston’s subway eight years ago. After a chance meeting with Ronnie Earl at a Billy Boy Arnold concert, Ronnie invited Ilana to sit in with him. He subsequently took her under his wing, offering to accompany Ilana on her debut record, showcasing her as his guest in many shows around Boston and New York or performing at the Boston Mayor’s Gala Ball as she did (solo) in 2016. Her distinguished signature Blues violin and singing soon had her guesting with a who’s who of living Blues musicians. When she isn’t touring and performing ‘above ground’ – you can still find Ilana in the subway – playing her fiddle and serenading passersby with her own brand of Blues – including some jazzy scat singing in sync with her fiddle. She is known as a versatile, improvisational musician, as comfortable performing solo in large theaters at the Mayor of Boston’s Gala Ball, opening for songwriting virtuoso John Oates, or as a featured rock band performer.
Her 2014 debut CD, “I’ve Got Something To Tell You,” earned her a finalist award for “Coolest Blues Song in the World 2015” by Big City Blues Magazine for her original Marlyn’s Blues. BMA winner Ronnie Earl, who joined her on that record, also covered another of Ilana’s originals – Runnin’ in Peace on his own 2015 Good News album.
Her latest CD (2016) – “Movin’ On” – from Regina Royale Records – features Ilana’s renditions of early traditional blues songs which dovetail nicely alongside her modern originals. She is accompanied by W.C. Handy nominee and longtime Canned Heat guitarist Barry Levenson, NY Blues Hall of Famer Bobby Radcliff, and multi-Grammy nominee Cedric Watson – to name a few.
Ilana and Barry Levenson are finishing up Katz’s third record, due out March 2017, featuring Levenson as sole guitarist and producer. They collaborated on songwriting. This next record features a mix of traditional, blues, jazz, and even a searing fiddle tune.
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