Bruce Kats Band / Rocky Lawrence

Bruce Kats Band

Bruce Kats Band is a Trio that plays "improvisational Blues, soul-jazz and American roots music.

Featuring: Bruce Katz on Hammond B3 and piano, Aaron Lieberman Guitar/Vocals, and LIVIU Pop on Drums.

Bruce Katz is a 30 year veteran of the music business, Katz has released 10 albums as leader of his own band. He has appeared on over 70 albums by other artists and toured with many others. His resume includes work with the likes of Ronnie Earl, John Hammond, Delbert McClinton, Gregg Allman, Duke Robillard, Little Milton, Maria Muldaur, Jimmy Witherspoon, Paul Rishell, Mighty Sam McClain, Debbie Davies and David “Fathead” Newman.

Bruce is a ten time BMA nominee. In 2019, Katz was awarded the Blues Music Award for Best Acoustic Album for Journeys To The Heart Of The Blues with Joe Louis Walker and Giles Robson.

Bruce Katz Band is a seven time BMA nominee for "Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year, winner of 2019 "Acoustic Album of the Year". Nominee for 2020 "Acoustic Album of the Year" for "Solo Ride" solo piano album.

"This man is as good as it gets. One of the greatest keyboard artists I’ve ever heard." - John Hammond

AARON LIEBERMAN

Guitar/Vocals

Aaron Lieberman has joined the Bruce Katz Band. Aaron is a tremendous guitar player and musically rich and soulful vocalist. Aaron was a founding member, guitarist and singer for God Street Wine and has played with Bob Weir, Phil Lesh and many others over his 30 year span as a professional musician.

Aaron´s energy and abilities bring a new chemistry to the Bruce Katz Band.

LIVIU POP

Drums

Liviu Pop is a very in demand drummer in the New York/New England Blues and Jazz world. Originally from Romania, he lives in Hartford, CT. Liviu has played with Lucky Peterson, Mighty Sam McClain, Hubert Sumlin and literally too many other important national and regional musicians to list here. A charismatic and exciting drummer, Liviu always has the groove in his playing but also stands out with his fiery spontaneity. He is one of the few that can play blues, jazz and all shades of American roots styles with authority and originality. Liviu has also been inducted into the Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame.

Special Guest: ROCKY LAWRENCE

Whether you play electric and dream of

Hendrix or love the acoustic alternating bass and the slide across the strings that tells every story in your life that the words you attempt to say fail, you find yourself back to Robert Johnson. Every bad date, every job you didn't get. Every rejection letter, every bad grade, leads you back to the crossroads.

Rocky Lawrence knows those stories! He is a walking persona of the country bluesman Robert Johnson. From the moment he approaches the stage sporting his matching suit, Dobbs hat and two-toned shoes, playing a Gibson "Robert Johnson" well worn at the fingerboard, a statement to his dedication to RJ's music and musical intensity, he plays and sings with incredible conviction. Whether he is performing solo or accompanying the masters, listeners experience a seasoned bluesman.

The sounds and emotions that Rocky Lawrence project are the result of a musical journey that began at the age of nine. His first instrument was the trumpet. He was born in New Haven Connecticut, where he still lives today. He began his musical sojourn going right back to the source. From Muddy Waters, Rocky became acclimated to the music of Robert Johnson and Son House.

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