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CD Reviews: Alex Levin Trio, “A Reason for Being Alone”
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Posted by: adminon Friday, December 08, 2006 - 05:00 PM |
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By: Edward Blanco
New York-based pianist and composer, Alex Levin is another one of the fine young talented players around blazing his own unique trail on the jazz scene of today. Releasing his second CD within two years, A Reason for Being Alone is a dynamic new album of fresh new material in the contemporary jazz mode played with grace and elegance.
Joining Levin on this recording are a cadre of New York sidemen including fellow band mates, Diallo House (bass) and Taylor Davis (drums) that make up his standard trio. Augmenting the line up for this project are, tenor saxophonists Max Hacker and Stacy Dillard, guitarist Chad Coe and William Martina on the cello, each appearing on different tracks. The result of course is that you have group that plays with the tightness of a small combo yet producing the sounds of a larger ensemble.
The opening number provides an excellent example of this. “Blues on Thursday,” composed with Art Blakey in mind, features both saxophonists in dueling fashion on a very boppish number. Levin plays some masterful keys on the title cut, “A Reason for Being Alone,” a beautiful introspective sweet little cut that’s all Levin. Cellist Martina introduces “Emma’s Ennui” a romantic love ballad in the style of an Antonio Carlos Jobin score that I play often.
Borrowing a phrase from Theloniuos Monk, Levin pens a melancholy tune with “Her Solitary Wish” in which the leader demonstrates his prowess on the keys backed up by a torrid tenor solo from Dillard. Other terrific cuts include the mellow “You Call,” the very lively quick rhythm of “New Schooled” highlighting some more tenor madness by Hacker and the very jazzy “Blues Through Stained Glass” capturing the very essence of the group. A number that was recorded as an after thought.
In appraising this album I would have to say that this is one very enjoyable disc that deserves to be heard. Alex Levin and the band provide an excellent performance sure to catch the attention of aficionados and critics alike.
Year: 2006
Label: Apology Records
Artist Web: www.alexlevinjazz.com
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