Katie Knipp lets rip on a live set

Release Date: 10th June 2022

Label: Bandcamp

Format: digital / CD

A souvenir recording of The Katie Knipp Band captured their live performance at The Green Room Social Club in Placerville, CA, from November 2021. Her home state gets the treat of a 12 song selection that covers enthusiastic performances of original blues americana songs off of albums dating back from 2005 to the present. The set also showcases the talents of her band that includes Neil Campisano on Drums, Zack Proteau on Bass, Chris Martinez on Guitar, Otis Mourning on Woodwinds and Percussion, and Katie Knipp on vocals, keys, dobro guitar, and harmonica. A band who are more than capable of accompanying their frontperson be it on slow burnings, wandering blues or zippy little bluegrass numbers.

After an intro that threatens to come close to the Kiss “hottest band in the wooooorrrrllllddd!” claim, (emcee Peter Petty gets due credit), the band kick into Ya Make It So Hard To Sing The Blues while you picture Katie strutting her stuff in real Anna Mae Bullock bravado. We’re off on a twelve song set that sees several boxes ticked as the blues vein pulses strongly throughout.

Bluebird Street ‘brings things down a bit’ with the chance for a wandering solo, not for the only time to be fair. Come Back similarly offers a laid back groove for Katie to decorate with her signature passion and the declaration that “I can’t grow old without you...” However, let’s make the point that the band remains focussed and aren’t in the business of endless blues meandering as they flick the switch to soul and gospel as their leader sees fit.

For an alternative to the smouldering electric fire that provides much of the soundtrack for Katie, check out Better Me where the mood is all raw and rustic. The sort of Memphis Minnie-esque-ness that page & Plant used to sneak intothe Led Zep repertoire. Possibly the pick of the set because of the stripped back arrangement. Talking of legendary artists who’ve leant on the blues their for heading into mass appeal, Quiet Hell – it maybe the harp that accompanies the piano work – is reminiscent of Neil Young’s work as Katie digs deep into the soul. In fact , it prompts the thought that it would be interesting to hear Katie in a solo setting, giving these tunes a different spin with herself just on the keys.

An emotion drenched set that doesn’t stand still. Never anything less than interesting. Nice one Katie.

Here’s Chamomile And Cocaine, one of the tracks which you’ll find on the album:

Katie Knipp online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Youtube

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