Brian Katz

guitarist

pianist

composer

improviser

educator

Photo © David Kaufman

Noted for his very personal weaving of modern jazz, classical, and various world music streams—especially klezmer— Brian Katz is internationally lauded for his orchestral approach to solo guitar playing, evocative compositions, and fiery free improvisations. As a committed music educator, he holds positions at the University of Toronto and York University, where he teaches jazz, classical, music education pedagogy, various approaches to improvisation (including classical), Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and Music for Health and Wellness.

Of his solo guitar recording Leaves Will Speak:

“If you want music that speaks—here it is.” Jazz Podium, Germany

“Upon first hearing, one is attracted by the freshness and purity of these musical statements, which succeed in capturing our attention by drawing from a diverse range of sources to form a beautifully coherent program” Thierry Giard, Culture Jazz, France

“The sensitive poet with a flawless classical sound has a special sense of what happens between the notes; a sense from which he develops introspectively lyrical lines and gives the music what it needs: space and time” Jens Hausmann, Akustik Gitarre, Germany

“You never feel like you’re being overwhelmed by technique as much as by being won over by a convincing discussion.” George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly, USA