A Breath of Fresh Air Aug 22 2023

Steve Katz and Blood, Sweat & Tears (BS&T) are synonymous with the golden era of American rock and jazz fusion. This iconic band, known for its genre-blending music, was founded by Steve Katz and went on to achieve massive success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In this episode, we’ll explore the fascinating story of Steve Katz and his pivotal role in shaping BS&T’s ground-breaking sound.

Steve Katz was born in New York City and displayed a passion for music from a young age. His journey in the music world gained momentum in the early ‘60s when he joined The Even Dozen Jug Band, a folk collective. Later, he co-founded the influential rock band The Blues Project. n 1967, Steve co-founded Blood, Sweat & Tears, a band that aimed to fuse rock, jazz, and R&B elements to create a unique musical experience. His vision set the stage for a new era in popular music.

As a founding member, guitarist, and songwriter, Steve played a vital role in shaping BS&T’s signature sound. His guitar work blended seamlessly with the brass section, creating a dynamic and unforgettable blend of rock and jazz. Under his creative leadership, BS&T released their eponymous album in 1968, which became a massive success, reaching the top of the charts. The album’s hits like “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” and “Spinning Wheel” showcased Katz’s song-writing prowess and the band’s ability to transcend traditional musical boundaries. Katz left BS&T in 1973 to concentrate on solo projects and collaborations with other artists including the late Lou Reed. He also delved into producing and engineering, contributing his expertise to various musical endeavours. BS&T’s legacy remained strong, leading to reunion concerts and acknowledgments of their contributions. These reunions often highlighted Steve’s role in the band’s success and his ongoing impact on the music world.

Steve Katz joins us to talk about his rock n roll life, his autobiography and the upcoming documentary ‘What the Hell Happened to Blood Sweat & Tears” that details the way the Nixon Government blackmailed the band to play for audiences behind the iron curtain.

It’s a fascinating story. I hope you enjoy it.

Sandy Kaye

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podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-breath-of-fresh-air/id1618650164