Pianist Bruce Katz goes solo and rides the boogie board on this infectious outing. He’s got the blues 8 beat in his marrow, having a fun full handed take on “Down At The Barrelhouse,” “Watermelon Thump” and a swinging “Going Places.” His grip is steady and rhythmic, making big spaces on the dynamic “Praise House” and relaxed and leathery like a first baseman’s mitt during the warm “Crescent Crawl.” Lovely parlor moods are evoked on “The Way To Your Heart” and the stately “Red sneakers” while he trills out a story for “It Hurts Me Too.” Every tune tells a story, and they’re worth hearing or taking to your next rent party.
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