Katrina Chester On The Record

Some very deep, rich New York/popular music history embedded in this excellent interview - this is just great - thank you MOTR and Katrina ❤️

Almost made me cry again with that method: “If you could talk to Gary right now ...” —-I would give almost anything for a chance to talk with Gary Chester again...

Legendary dad - no doubt - but Katrina is a monster musician herself - a serious heavyweight rock singer - I’ve had the joy and good fortune to do a string of gigs with her a while back. I also studied with her father - plus I’m lucky to know Tony Cruz. I count my blessings every day. peace & love - Greg Burrows

When I was in a band in the late 90s we hung out with Katrina and LUXX quite a bit in the NYC/NJ area as they gigged to promote their first album. While the band was quite talented (Ian Hatton had an especially impressive resume), in the end it was "The Katrina Chester Show". Her aggressive performances, raspy vocals, and over the top persona were legendary, and every show was a treat to attend, especially in the early years when there was only her street team there, and you could stand right by the stage, soaking it all in. In the afterparties she was friendly and personable, if a bit self-absorbed, a rock star in training for sure. A very petite girl, she was outsized in personality, and always the center of attention. Dave (and later Benny) would slink away, and as a guitarist I'd often chat with them instead, while my band's girl singer would stick with Katrina. Ian was never around, and just went to bed. I presumed he got all the parting out of him touring with Bonham years earlier. In the end, the band was sunk by a lack of commercially viable songs (aka: no mainstream Top 40 hits), and changing musical tastes. Katrina went on to release a solo EP, and later played Janis Joplin off-Broadway, then went through some tough times, divorcing Ian (not many knew they were together this whole time), and getting into Yoga. Last I heard she was remarried (to a drummer!) and living somewhere in SoCal (Encino?). This tribute to her dad is great! Gary Chester was, and is, a legend, and Katrina should also be proud of her past! Thanks for the great memories Kat, I still have signed versions of every recording she ever released, somewhere in storage!!

Katrina is the best

Gary's book has been a blessing to my life in many ways. Personally, I think he underestimates the importance of what he can contribute in everything a drummer needs to know to provide fresh solutions for music. I appreciate that Katrina and Tony are making this effort to keep Gary's fire going. Thanks Dave for this interview.