The Chico Hamilton Quintet’s cello playing during 1955-1958 was a major factor in the group’s distinctive sound and atmosphere. Katz had classical training (he studied with Pablo Casals), and worked in orchestras. He also played the piano. He was a singer, and accompanied many of them, including Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, and Tony Bennett in the early 1950s. Katz recorded many albums for Warner Bros., Decca and Pacific Jazz while Hamilton was still with him. Katz left Chico in 1959, where he recorded one last set. He then moved on to other areas of jazz: anthropology and classical music. He was part of the Chico Hamilton Quintet, which recorded for Soul Note in 1989. This was a great opportunity to show that he is still a skilled musician. Allmusic
