BRUCE KATZ - Hammond B-3 Organ, Piano. Bruce has been nominated by the National Blues Foundation for the 2008 and 2009 Blues Music Award in the "Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Of The Year Award"! Besides leading the Bruce Katz Band, he is currently a member of Gregg Allman and Friends, the John Hammond Band and plays and records with a wide variety of leading names in the Blues and Roots world including Duke Robillard, Maria Muldaur, Joe Louis Walker and others.
CHRIS VITARELLO, guitar/vocals. Chris is very active in the NYC and Connecticut area and also plays with Jimmy McGriff, Dennis Gruenling, Jeremy Baum and others.
RALPH ROSEN, drums. Ralph has played on the New England scene for quite some time now and is rated as one of the foremost jazz drummers in the country. A first call session player that has toured nationally as well as internationally.
ROD CAREY, bass and vocals. Rod was nominated for a Grammy for his work with Hubert Sumlin and Pinetop Perkins. He was a member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters for 6 years and has played on countless other recordings with various artists.
Influences
Ray Charles, Otis Spann, Jimmy McGriff, Thelonius Monk, Charles Mingus, James Booker, Prof. Longhair, Bessie Smith, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Steve Winwood, George Jones and many, many more!
Led by the renowned pianist and Hammond B-3 organist, Bruce Katz, the Bruce Katz Band plays original, mostly instrumental music that is full of blues spirit but also draws heavily from New Orleans R&B, "soul-jazz" and boogie-woogie.
This powerful, four piece band blends guitar and Hammond B-3 organ together into a sound that is original and yet traditional at its core.
Besides leading the Bruce Katz Band, Bruce is a regular member of Gregg Allman and Friends as well as the John Hammond Quartet. Bruce and his unique and exciting playing is always in demand and he has also performed and/or recorded with Littlle Milton, Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, David "Fathead" Newman, Jerry Portnoy, Debbie Davies, Charlie Musselwhite, Bryan Lee, Rick Holmstrom, and Mighty Sam McClain.
Bruce's new CD, "Live! At the Firefly" was released on the Brown Dog Music/VizzTone label in October of 2008, to wide critical acclaim, appearing it's first month at 11 on the Living Blues Radio Chart and staying on the Roots Music Report top albums for 10 straight weeks.
The Bruce Katz Band is now including some vocal tunes in their repetoire, with both guitarist Chris Vitarello and bassist Rod Carey providing the vocals.
Bruce's fan base includes lovers of the Hammond B-3 tradition in both blues and jazz. Recently younger audiences who are fans of other "jam bands" have found out about his cd's and have become fans as well. The Bruce Katz Band has played many major blues and jazz festivals both in the United States as well as Europe.
Bruce, you and the guys palyed awsome shows at the Beach Shack in Cocoa Beach and at Earl's Hideaway in Sebastion. The audience ain't gunna' forget you guys!! Anxious to have you do a return tour in March...the town is still buzzin' 'bout your shows...ya' killed 'em!! Chris & Ralph were awsome w/you. Best trio, best music we've ever had in Brevard County! Keep on keepin' on! Catch you in Bosstown and down here again...joel
Fantastic Show @ The Hollywood Hard Rock & then again @ Earl's Hideaway!! Double Wammy! Your Band Smoked the beaches! Thanks for coming our way, hope to see you back again SOON! Your Fan & Friend, Tina L.
Hi there Bruce! If you want to catch up with me any time my friend! Just go to http://www.facebook.com/mojo.morgan Lots of respect to you,and have a great weekend.....Mojo and the boys!!! PS. CHECK MY MUSIC AND SITE OUT MY FRIEND!!!
Thanks for the add Mr Katz! Have actually had the pleasure of jamming with you in Winchester a few years back - I am Mick Downs' wife! If you get a chance to check out the new band - The Sweet Believers, would love a comment from you! All the best, Fliss x
HI!! So glad you accepted my friend request. I doubt you remember me, but I was backstage at your show in Ventura on the 17th of July. I was there with Todd Smallwood. I thought you sounded Awesome at the show. I am a singer and would love for you to check out my page and listen to my songs if you get time. I understand if you are too busy though. Maybe I can come to see your show in Little Rock, AR. I only live a hour or so away from where you will be performing! Have a great week!! Ashleigh Rogers
Hi Bruce, Have been listening to your work on a couple different Ronnie Earl CD's & Man Are You HOT!! Unbelievable hands you have... Love what you do & how you do it - Keep on Rockin'. Much Love to Ya, Your Fan & Friend, Tina
