Artists do not evolve in a vacuum. Collectively, they assimilate all they have learned and heard into a new creative paradigm that they call their own. A durable respect for the past characterizes the trio art of pianist Alex Levin. Listening to his collection New York Portraits, the spirits of pianists long gone are present in that fecund humus existing between the notes of Levin's treatments of original and standard compositions alike.
Levin's treatment of Johnny Mercer's "I Remember You" is likewise populated by this spirit. The Vince Guaraldi opening gives way to a Red Garland block chord interior. Bates solos and Levin enters solo sideways like Erroll Garner, quoting Thelonious Monk's "Rhythm-n-ing." Drummer Brian Floody provides a pronounced Philly Joe Jones rim-shot beat that recalls those great Garland trios with Jones and Paul Chambers. Levin does this all without slipping into mere imitation. He commands all of these styles and make them his own.
Track Listing
My Heart Stood Still; Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me); Last Train to Brooklyn; Cheek to Cheek; I Remember You; I Love You Porgy; Isn't it a Pity?; Like Someone in Love; Blues for Charley; Body and Soul.
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.