2002 Sept. Blues Bytes review of "Soul Deep", Lee McBee, Pacific Blues Recordings
Steve Hinrichson:
"McBee assaults your senses from the get go, opening things up with a smoldering version of Long John Hunter's "Ride With Me," augmented by a sizzling horn section anchored by everybody's favorite reedman, Kaz Kazanoff on sax joined by Jimmy Shortell on trumpet. Wrapping things up is a funky version of "Mohair Sam" and a nuclear version of Jimmy McCracklin's "Walk," that features a wicked sax solo from Kazanoff."

2002 Aug. Blues Revue review of "From Austin With Soul" W.C. Clark, Alligator 4884
Michael Cote:
"Producer Mark Kazanoff, who plays sax as part of the Texas Horns on the album, assembled a group of Austin all-stars to back Clark, including guitarists Pat Boyack and Derek O'Brien, drummer Frosty Smith, and bassist Larry Fulcher. They do their godfather proud."

2002 July, Mark Monihan, Executive Director of the Ottawa Cisco Systems Blues Festival, offered these comments about the Texas Horns performances at the 2002 Ottawa Blues Festival:
"It was once again a pleasure to have Kaz and The Texas Horns at this year's Cisco Systems Bluesfest. For most blues lovers there is nothing like the full sound of a great blues band with horns. Unfortunately it is not always affordable to bring in a horn section with many of the acts that perform at the festival. Bringing in The Texas Horns meant that many of the performers would have the luxury of a set of 'House Horns'. The fact that they know or have performed with most of the blues touring acts in the states meant that more than 15 of our acts were able to present their show with horns. The response from the audience was unbelievable, and their ability to adapt 'on the fly' in many situations they were presented with literally 'minutes' before the performance leads me to offer Kaz and The Texas Horns a permanent 'residency' at the Cisco Systems Bluesfest.  Looking forward to next year."

2002 July The Globe and Mail (Canada) review of the Ottawa Blues Festival
Brad Wheeler:
"Kaz Kazanoff and the Texas Horns served as the house band for the span of the Festival, and nowhere were they put to better use than with Otis Rush, whose signature sound is identifiable, in part, by the use of brass rather than harmonica."

2002 July Blues Bytes Pick Hit "From Austin With Soul"
Alan Shutro:
"From the opening moments of this CD, I knew I was about to encounter something special.   The horn section, led by Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, cooks throughout this release, giving an authenticity to it that few release achieve.  By now I am completely blown away by this release and calling friends to tell them to get themselves a copy. That doesn't happen to me too often.  This release will certainly make many top 10 lists for 2002, and right now, holds number one position for me. "From Austin With Soul" is an essential purchase for all lover's of great music and soulful singing. The Stax sound lives!"

2002 July Living Blues review of "From Austin With Soul" W.C. Clark, Alligator
Kevin Toelle:
"The passionate ballad 'Let It Rain' features a powerful horn arrangement by Mark Kazanoff (who also produced the album)."

2002 June, Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records:
"Kaz's deep knowledge of these musical traditions and great chops mean that he can write and perform ideal horn section parts, or direct the horns 'on the fly' to play what's most appropriate for the song. They have great professionalism, plenty of energy, are excellent players and great guys to deal with.  I've used them both in the studio and on live gigs and they've always been terrific."

2002 June Baltimore Blues Society review of W.C. Clark's "From Austin with Soul" produced by Mark Kazanoff 2002 Alligator
Bob Sekinger:
"If this disc doesn't get you movin' and groovin' you better make yourself an appointment with the doctor right away, 'cause there might be something wrong wit 'cha! The ubiquitous Kaz Kazanoff produced, arranged the Texas Horns and plays all the horn solos. Is there a Handy Award for producers? Without a doubt this one will be on most critics top ten list for 2002."

2002 Juke Blues #51 Review of W.C. Clark's "From Austin With Soul" Alligator
Alan Empson:
"Clarence Carter's "Snatchin It Back" is an energetic opener with a driving rhythm section fueled by The Texas Horns arranged by Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff who produced the set. The material is from the top drawer and these high caliber Austin musicians are on hand to do them justice, topped off by W.C.'s no-nonsense tough vocals."

2002 May 25 Billboard review of "From Austin With Soul" W.C. Clark, Alligator 4884:
"On this, Clark's Alligator debut, producer Mark Kazanoff has done a fine job of showcasing Clark's versatility while preserving the Stax vibe that's crucial to his artistic persona-especially on a track like "How Long Is A Heartache Supposed To Last?"."

2001 June Chicago Sunday Sun-Times, Review of "Presumed Innocent" Marcia Ball, Alligator Records
Jeff Johnson:
"Presumed Innocent benefits from the hot guitar licks of massive Pat Boyack and guest artists Mark Kazanoff on saxophone and Gary Primich on harmonica."

2001 May Richmond Times Dispatch review of "Presumed Innocent" Marcia Ball, Alligator Records
Mike Piercy:
"This album finds Ball sticking pretty close to her standard M.O., which is fine. The band is anchored by her long-time bassist Don Bennett, with guest appearances by slide guitar master Sonny Landreth and plenty of great sax from the legendary Mar Kazanoff."

2001 January Chicago Tribune review of Marcia Ball's performance at Fitzgerald's in Chicago
Michael Parrish:
"Regular saxophonist Brad Andrew was augmented by baritone sax player Mark Kazanoff, whose full, bassy blasts brought additional punch to tunes like "Red Beans."

1995 Austin American Statesman review of "Blues, Mistletoe & Santa's Little Helper" on Blacktop
Michael Point:
"If you're looking for a little funk infusion for the holidays, you need to expend a little effort and find a copy of "Blues Mistletoe, & Santa's Little Helper", a soulful compilation from Black Top, the New Orleans-based R&B label. Session superstar Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff possibly the most widely recorded musician in Austin.shows up in a starring role on two additional tunes, "Good King Wenceslaus" and "Blue Christmas". On the latter he leads the Well-Hung Ornaments, an Austin aggregation including keyboardists Floyd Domino and Nick Connolly, in addition to the sparkling guitar work of ex-Austinite Tom Principato."

1994 Austin American Statesman review of W.C. Clark's "Heart of Gold" on Blacktop
Michael Point:
"This disc should put Clark up front as the definitive Austin blues act. One of the most conspicuous participants was saxist Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, who co-produced the album."

Piedmont Blues Preservation Society Newsletter:
"This years workshop proved to be as enjoyable as its predecessors. Scheduled hosts Bob Margolin and Ann Rabson were joined by two very special guests: Pinetop Perkins and Kaz Kazanoff."

1990 Down Beat 5-star review of Bobby Radcliff's Blacktop CD "Dresses Too Short":
"Supported by several Black Top records R&B stalwarts (including "Kaz" Kazanoff) Radcliff delivers the goods with 'Dresses Too Short'".

1990 Music Connection review of Angela Strehli's "Soul Shake" album on Antone's
Jim Maloney:

"Strehli smolders effortlessly on her own "In Spite of What You Do", and sax-man "Kaz" Kazanoff obliges with a silky tenor break worthy of Coleman Hawkins".

1990 Austin American Statesman
Michael Point:
"The Tri-sax-ual Soul Champs, made up of Austinite mark "Kaz" Kazanoff and veteran Atlanta sax stars Sil Austin and Grady "Fats" Jackson, resurrected the rowdy R&B sax sound of the '50's with its recent "Go Girl!" release. The sonic strength of the massed horns was awesome but the saxists' individual moments were equally enjoyable."

1990 Billboard review of the Tri-sax-ual Soul Champs "Go Girl!" on Blacktop:
"Tenor madness abounds on this leather-lunged outing by reed triumvirate of old pros Sil Austin and Grady "Fats" Jackson, as well as Black Top mainstay Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff. Nothin' too fancy here-just plenty of entertaining honking instrumentals."

1990 The Boston Phoenix review of "Go Girl!"
Bob J. Cohen:
"The title track and opener is a jazz- and R&B-textured screamer in which Kazanoff, Jackson, and Austin trade solos in a pitched battle, the temperature going up with each verse. By the end of the song, you can imagine flames crackling on their fingertips."

1990 Austin American Statesman
Michael Point:
"The Tri-Sax-Ual Soul Champs situation allows Kazanoff some time in the spotlight and he and the dynamic duo from Atlanta use it well, ripping through fine and funky sax romps that sometimes sound like King Curtis cloned."

1990 ESP review of "Go Girl!":
"The true R&B fanatic will recognize snatches of some classic hooks in most of the tunes contained here, but the boys in this band don't allow themselves to become ensnared in them; you get just enough to get your memory synapses firing before they flip the switches and kick in the afterburner, leaving you shaking your head in disbelief and trying to follow the vapor trail."

1990 Austin Chronicle review of "Go Girl"
Keri Leigh:
"Go Girl!" is, in many ways, Kaz' album. He had the opportunity to choose the players on the sessions, arrange and write most of the numbers. He chose his longtime idols Sil Austin and Grady "Fats" Jackson to round out the Soul Champs trio."

1990 Austin American Statesman review of Buddy Guy's Antones show
Michael Point:
:Guy was backed by Antone's "A" team of bassist Sarah Brown, drummer George Rains, guitarist Derek O'Brien and saxist Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff. Kazanoff and Wynans were particularly excellent, Kaz adding sassy sax phrases to the musical mix."

1990 Billboard show review
Chris Morris:
"Much of the credit for the show's entertaining punch was due to the backup band, which included such Austin stalwarts as horn man Kaz Kazanoff."

Blacktop owner and producer, Hammond Scott, interviewed by Austin Statesman writer Dan Forte:
"I just find that whatever he (Kaz) does fits with whatever we are doing. He can jump to all kinds of different styles, and he knows all the different feels. He always surprises you because he gives you what you want plus more. And all of the players he's recorded with are crazy about him because he understands where they're coming from, but he doesn't mimic anybody. I can't praise him enough."

1989 Billboard review of Doug Sahm's "Juke Box Music" on Antone's:
"Superbly entertaining return by Sir Doug finds the veteran Tex-Mex rock-n-roller pumping his 'honkey blues"-swinging big-band R&B/rock-once more. Stellar group of Austin, Texas, musicians makes this a natural party-time favorite."

1989 People review of Marcia Ball's "Gatorhythms" on Rounder
R.N.:
"She benefits from the presence of three back-up horn men, Keith Winking, Mark Kazanoff, and John Blondell, who punch up the party-time atmosphere and play off effectively against her pound-nails-in-the-wall voice."

1989 Downbeat review of "Go Girl!" on Blacktop
Michael Point:
"Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, the number one horn on the Austin blues scene, has been heard on record with everyone from New Orleans guitar greats Earl king and Snooks Eaglin to Austin hometown heroes like Doug Sahm and Lou Ann Barton. Kaz' Texas Horns, a pervasive presence on most of the best Texas/Louisiana blues recordings of late, has further demonstrated his multi-horn talents in a backing role.

Now Kazanoff, in the competent company of Austin and Jackson, is bringing the R&B sax sound out of the background and into the spotlight."

1989 Goldmine review of "Go Girl!"
Jeff Tamarkin:
"Lawdy! If you thought the wailing rock 'n' roll/R&B sax of the late 40's-early 60's was dead, this'll fix ya. Mark Kazanoff is the new kid on this R&B chopping block, with only 20-some-odd years and a string of credits playing behind just about every blues great, young or old, who's recorded or played live in Texas in recent years. And this-it was Kazanoff's idea to assemble these three master blowers in the studio to see what'd happen.

What does happen is one solid set of blues/R&B vocals and instrumentals., the three costars shine from beginning to end."

1989 Musician Magazine review of "Go Girl!":

"The Soul Champs-Austin's Mark Kazanoff, plus Atlanta's Grady Jackson and Sil Austin-play sax, as in smokin R&B. Here  they've joined distinctive guitarists like Snooks Eaglin and Clarence Hollimon for a party record that never loses its place between fun and consequence. It tucks some no-sweat Ellingtonia (Kazanoff's "Blue Di") and Middle Eastern (Miserlou) between sax battles like the title tune and songs such as "I Can't Keep Up With You", where guest singer Carol Fran lays down the law while guessing she's in just over her head. Lucidly recorded, the Soul Champs sound free and targeted, subtle and frank, and although the never bland out, they don't wallow in yesterday's grease, either."

1989 Austin American Statesman review of Austin City limits performance
Casey Monahan:
"Delbert McClinton may be the hardest-working Texas musician around these days. But with all its use, his voice is still as singular as it is flawless. His band is a hand-picked collection of some of Texas' most experienced and underrated players (such as Nick Connolly, guitarist Steven Bruton, saxist Mark Kazanoff)."

1988 Billboard review of Nappy Brown's "Something Gonna Jump Out the Bushes" on Blacktop:
"Great R&B veteran who penned 'Nighttime is the Right Time' and scored hits on Savoy makes a delightful comeback. Brown's raw but smooth vocals receive superb support from an outstanding band, which includes guitarists Earl King, Anson Funderburgh, and Ronnie earl, and reedman Kaz Kazanoff."

1988 The Toronto Star
Craig MacInnis:
"As one of the house groups at the legendary Antone's bar in Austin, Strehli's outfit has been voted best blues band by the readers of the Austin Chronicle, who get to see more blues groups per capita than any other city in North America".

1988 Seattle Times
Patrick MacDonald:
"Kim Wilson is proud to be on the same show with Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Pinetop Perkins, Luther Tucker, Jimmy Rogers, and muddy Waters' rhythm section, featuring Calvin Jones, Ted Harvey, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. If that weren't enough the show also includes Antone's current house band, The Angela Strehli Band."

1988 Ottawa Citizen review of Angela Strehli performance:
"When Strehli hit town earlier this year, sax and harmonica player Mark Kazanoff was AWOL. Having him on hand this time made a world of difference!"

1988 Orange Coast Daily Pilot
Robert Hyndman:
"Performing earlier in the evening was Angela Strehli whose sassy approach to the blues and magnetic stage presence were given added boosts by a talented band, notably sax and harmonica playing Mark Kazanoff."

1987 Austin Chronicle review of Angela Strehli's "Soul Shake" (Antones):
"Side One opens with George Rain's powerful drums and "Kaz" Kazanoff's nothing-but-sexy horn in a classic big soul opening for "I Wouldn't Treat a Dog", which serves notice that Strehli is backed up by one of the best bands in the business".

1987 The Arizona Daily Star
Gene Armstrong:
"The best moments came when Angela and the boys deferred to saxophone and harmonica player Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, who played the mouth harp like a superman. With his capable note-bending, Kazanoff kicked into overdrive energetic roadhouse-styled blues numbers such as 'Big Town Playboy'. Kaz was a treat."

1987 The Houston Post
Bob Claypool:
"Talk about a "who's who" of Texas rock and roll! The Angela Strehli Band consists of Guitarist Denny Freeman, saxophonist Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff (who's played with everybody), bassist Pat Whitefield and veteran drummer George Rains. The band fell in line, getting tighter all the time, with Denny snapping out some sizzling, no-nonsense solos and Kaz blowing like a true-heart, blue-lights lizard."

1987 Tucson Entertainment Magazine
Sneaky Pete:
"Strehli's band is better known as The Antone's All-Stars, a group who've spent the major part of their lives backing up big name bluesmen who play Antone's regularly. These guys are so tight they're getting used to beaucoup studio dates, and releasing their own records on major blues labels".

1982 Boston Globe
Jim Sullivan:
"Monday's celebratory blues jam at the Tam was a benefit for the family of Big Walter Horton, the 63-year-old blues great who suffered a heart attack and died Dec 8. Kaz Kazanoff, saxophonist with Sugar Ray and The Bluetones, organized the benefit along with the Bluetones' Mudcat Ward and Roomful of Blues' Ronnie Earl.  Money from the benefit would go for a tombstone for Horton."

Press Kit Index