Ilana Katz Katz

About Ilana Katz Katz
Ilana Katz Katz is a Blues and Appalachian fiddler, singer, songwriter whose musical versatility has her performing solo, leading bands, and lending her fiddling prowess to a who’s who of Blues musicians from the Delta on up. She's got some deep fiddlin' chops from the Southern tradition, but she's also fuses into jazzy music and standards which she plays instrumentally and sings. She began as a busker in 2008, playing the crowded Boston subway platforms where she still performs when not touring. Known for her distinguished brand of Blues – including jazzy scat singing in sync with her fiddle – Ilana’s fiddling caught the ear of Ronnie Earl who volunteered to be on her debut album after she sat in with him one evening. He subsequently showcased her on a plethora of shows over the next few years, introducing her around and he included one of her songs on his next record. (Photo by Deke Rivers)
Her latest record, In My Mind, (October 8, 2021) debuted at #3 on the iTunes national Blues chart. It’s been a mainstay on the national Blues/Contemporary Blues Roots Music charts. It was in top picks for the entire year 2021 by Blues Music Magazine, deejays Greg Sarni, David Zierbarth, Rick Keyes amongst others. It also enjoyed the #1 Blues spot on the Massachusetts Blues chart, alongside several singles charting nationally. Internationally, it’s been on regular radio rotation and was #73 for the entire year 2021 in Contemporary Blues Albums nationally in the Roots Music Reports. Ilana’s prior release, “Subway Stories” in 2017 (Vizztone Label Group, founded by longtime Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin) had her performing with Margolin on many occasions. She’s been a special guest with many Grammy nominated performers including James Montgomery, Shemekia Copeland – to mention a few. Besides being an in-demand performer, her guest recordings and songwriting credits on award-winning albums continue to blossom.
In My Mind is a singer-songwriter bounty of original songs, with only one traditional cover tune. From the deep blues to the jazzy swing feel, Katz covers a lot of ground, and her lyrics match the tides of her melodies. Her beautifully seasoned vocals evoke the essences of Rickie Lee Jones, Alison Krauss, and hints of Joni Mitchell. The music is even wrapped in Ilana’s self-portrait watercolors on front/back covers. Katz is also a published novelist, screenwriter, and a visual and apparel artist.
Here's what they’re saying about Ilana Katz Katz “Brilliant and Soulful.” – Blues guitar Master Ronnie Earl

“Ilana Katz Katz is a truly unique artist, from her two-Katz moniker to her deft fiddle playing culled from the deep soul roots of the blues and rural folk traditions, topped by her unpretentious, almost otherworldly voice. Her playing is spare and virtuosic, while she adds her own style throughout.” – Steve Morse, 28-year staff critic at the Boston Globe

“It’s like finding another Scarlett Rivera – blues-roots fiddler/singer-songwriter Ilana Katz Katz has gone from Boston’s subway platforms to world stages. – John Apice, review of “In My Mind” from American (link hidden)