[rating=7.00]
This is the third release for the Bruce Katz Band on American Showplace, and follows last year’s impressive all original, Out from the Center spotlighting guitarist Chris Vitarello. This one, Get Your Groove! takes a slightly different direction, mixing in covers and featuring some guests. There’s also a new drummer, Ray Hangen, who joins keyboardist extraordinaire Katz and Vitarello in the core band. Also playing on the album for three of the eleven tracks is founding Allman Brothers drummer Jaimoe, with whom Katz has played within Allman Brothers offshoot bands like Butch Trucks’ Freight Train Band and Jaimoe’s own Jasssz Band. Matt Raymond also joins, playing both acoustic and electric bass on select tracks.
Katz is also a highly sought-after sideman as evidenced by his playing on over 60 albums. He is a four-time Blues Award nominee. He’s played with artists from Big Mama Thornton to Jimmy Witherspoon and has logged time in Ronnie Earl’s Broadcasters, The Gregg Allman Band, and others. Katz’s versatility is often breathtaking as he rollicks his Hammond B3 solos right-handed while pounding out the bass lines with his left hand; or in some cases, playing the piano with his right as he uses his left on the B3.
They begin with the traditional “Hesitation Blues,” a vehicle for Vitarello’s soulful vocals, bluesy guitar and Katz’s swirling B3. Then, in perhaps the album’s feature track, you’ll hear an array of familiar Allman Brothers riffs, with Jaimoe becoming the second drummer, in tribute to the late Butch Trucks for “Freight Train.” Then Katz shifts to piano for the jazzy “Beef Jerky” with Raymond on acoustic bass as both Katz and Vitarello contribute swinging solos. “Shine Together (Tribe of Lights)” is a shuffle with Katz on B3, Vitarello singing and playing, with Jaimoe again on drums, taking a solo as well.
“River Blues” is a gorgeous, slow-burning blues with Katz on both piano and organ, while Vitarello supports with relaxed, emotive lines. They display their command of changes in “Make Things Right,” which begins in an up-tempo guitar-driven style before it slows to a mournful blues as Vitarello sings. The title track is mostly an exercise in piano bebop mixed with up-tempo blues a la Bobby Timmons with Jaimoe giving it plenty of that Art Blakey feel. “Zone 3” and ‘Rush Hour” take the classic organ trio groove. Burning slow blues return on “Wasn’t My Time,” with Vitarello delivering his best vocal. The album closes with another organ trio instrumental, “The Bun,” with Katz offering yet more evidence why he is so respected as one of the best and most versatile Hammond B3 players
This band has a wide swath, seamlessly weaving from blues to jazz to improvisational jamming. They do a great job of pacing the album. If you get a chance, see them live as they tour often.
Photo by Steve Hefter
