Katie Knipp is definitely one of my favorite artists and I very unfortunately did not have the opportunity to go to the live event at Theater 5150 where this was recorded.  I did have a couple family members attend though and they were highly impressed with the session and gave it rave reviews.  I have been patiently (well…sort of anyway) waiting for this release and the news that the pre-sale was on had me quickly getting my order placed.  That purchase allowed me to get this one track early and ever since then I have been listening away.  

If you have read my prior reviews (see links below) you already know that “Santa Cruz Blues” is a favorite of mine and originally was on her 2018 album Take It With You.   There is a very tragic and real story behind the song (which you can read about in the bio on her webpage) and you can feel that personal impact in the edginess of the music and the passion in the vocal track.  The opening harmonica is loud and boisterous, cutting sharply through the other instruments each time it rings out.   Even with a dynamic rhythm section and the vibrant accompaniment of the rest of her band that one instrument has always framed the tone of this song for me.  Knipp’s voice, which as always is its own compelling and unique instrument, adds a layer of tension to the soundscape.  This is a strong, energetic live performance of “Santa Cruz Blues” and a great early release to listen to and get psyched up for the remainder of the album.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this are: Katie Knipp (vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica), Neil Campisano (drums), Pancho Tomaselli (bass), Chris Martinez (lead guitar) and Steve Utstein (Wurlitzer, Hammond B3). 

Pre-order here – several options and some cool packages! 

https://katieknipp.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-theater-5150

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://katieknipp.com/home

Playlist links 

https://bandcamp.com/jackmesenbourg/playlist/11292025

Prior review links 

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Well, when you review a remix of a song (this one is off her 2024 album Me)  you have to say which one you like better…right?  So you have that to look forward to later anyway 🙂 

It is no secret that I (and plenty of other people judging from the recognition and awards she has received) know that Knipp is a fantastic musician and one of the rising but still under-appreciated talents in the blues music scene today.  Just as a personal observation, I receive a lot of comm from musicians and hers always comes across as very sincere, heartfelt and “on the cuff’ – meaning that she comes across as real and authentic.  

When Me was released I was impressed with the depth and layers of the songs on that record and my favorite track was Outlaw Doc which is reviewed here: 

“Go” was also a strong track off that album with an interesting spoken word opening over piano and some very pointed lyrics.  It has a nice, slow bluesy groove running through it and comes across as a pensive reflection on complicated relationships.  This electro-funk remix keeps a soft opening with a slow drum-driven and punchy bass tempo with Knipp’s vocals riding right along the top of the rhythm.  The guitar solo around the 3:00 mark and gospel-style chorus that follows are great moments that fill out this song and really make it noteworthy.  This version seems more personal than the one on Me…and yes, I like it more than the original.

You can check out more of the music and information on the Bandcamp page https://katieknipp.bandcamp.com

Your locals need you so keep them in mind always – community is powerful! 

And please think about purchasing this song after you listen – streaming music does not pay much even times a thousand…