"Getting to work with James is a true honor. A talented singer/songwriter/musician, James adds something special to everything he puts his hands on.
"Whether it's coming up with a beautiful melody or harmony, a "tasty" part for guitars or keys, or an interesting production idea, James offers a unique style because of his many talents.
"His amazing grasp and love of music shines through in his work, which is why his own music kicks ass!"
- Dov Rosenblatt (Singer/Guitarist for Blue Fringe)
"It's been my pleasure to have been working with James Katz for over ten years in one capacity or another: he has been my colleague as a musician and songwriter, and has been my producer and my teacher. I have the highest respect for him as an instrumentalist, singer, writer, producer, and teacher and I am a huge fan of his original music.
"I came to James with a rough demo tape in 1999; prior to this I had no significant experience as a songwriter or singer and was quite intimidated to bring such an amateurish tape to such an accomplished writer and musician. I had initially expected to hand off the songs I came in with to James for him to produce and sing. However, after having me play the songs for him, he encouraged me to sing them myself. This was the first very significant benefit of working with James. I can honestly say that if it were not for his encouragement as a vocal coach it is unlikely I would be singing at all, let alone performing solo at well-known clubs in New York City.
"Two years later I brought him another rough demo with the intention to produce an EP. In addition to having one of the most fun and most educational musical experiences of my life, as a result of James superb pre-production, instrumental, and production work, I am in the midst of negotiating a contract with an independent song-pitcher who heard the final EP. This is after sending out just one CD to a well-known independent label. I have also gotten requests from three college or community radio stations for my CD.
"It was wonderful working with James. He improved every aspect of my musical efforts, from the song forms to the instrumental ideas to the tracks to my vocals. I felt that he treated my project as if it were one of his own. And while this meant he fought strongly for things he believed in as a producer, he always deferred to my creative sensibility and to what I ultimately wanted to hear at the end of the day. James also professionally handled all logistical aspects of producing my project, including contracting musicians and booking studio time.
"I feel like every aspect of my musicianship was improved by working with James, including my guitar playing, my singing, my songwriting, and my own ear for production value. I think the final product, including the early recognition and interest it’s gotten from people in the industry, speaks for itself.
Whether you are someone who has rough ideas for songs and needs help forming them, or are someone with very definite ideas who needs help realizing them, I can’t think of anyone better than James Katz to take your project, your abilities, and your confidence to the next level."
-Matt Lambiase (singer/songwriter)
www.MattLambiase.com