Bman's Blues Report

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, In My Mind, by Ilana Katz Katz and it's an interesting, pop/blues release. Opening with title track, In My Mind , Katz on lead vocal and fiddle sets contemporary pop stage, backed by Johnny Burgin on guitar, Stephen Dougherty on drums and Chris Matheos on bass. Burgin leads off on shuffle, Woman, Play the Blues with traditional delta style riffs. Katz's shows a certain juxtaposition with her contemporary vocal styling and her bluegrass approach on fiddle in this setting. Very interesting. Burgin opens Shuffle/boogie, Won't Pass Me By with a classic Walker style intro, and Katz's simple vocal/fiddle styling. Very cool. On Well, Well Blues Burgin steps up with some of his signature licks. Katz's vocals are some of the best on the release making this my choice for best on the release. Hangman's Reel is another of my favorites with a total venture from the blues to traditional bluegrass. Katz cover...