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Adam Levy

Adam Levy: guitarist, songwriter, educator, journalist, author.

About Me

Adam Levy is a guitarist in high demand. His playing has been featured on recordings by major-label artists such as Norah Jones (her first three albums), Tracy Chapman (New Beginning), and Amos Lee (Amos Lee). He has also played on records by acclaimed indie artists such as Ani DiFranco (¿Which Side Are You On?) and Anaïs Mitchell (Young Man in America). Levy has performed live onstage with all of these musicians—as well as with Rosanne Cash, Lisa Loeb, Darol Anger, Regina Carter, and many others.

What keeps Levy so busy, working in a wide variety of styles, is his knack for playing things that are unpredictable yet sound right as soon as you hear them. Take, for example, Levy’s guitar solo on Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason.” Though steeped in Chicago blues essence, it’s wholly original—free from cliché or caricature. His solo on Norah Jones’ “Come Away with Me” is more understated—a simple, earnest plea echoing the sentiment of the song. It has elements of jazz and country, but ultimately defies pigeonholing.

In addition to his work as a guitarist, Levy has blossomed as a songwriter in recent years, with work appearing on releases by Norah Jones, Chris Difford (of Squeeze), Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket), Miles Zuniga (of Fastball), and Amber Rubarth (rising indie songstress). Though he often writes alone, he is just as comfortable co-writing with other simpatico songwriters. One of his recent collaborations was with singer/songwriter Jill Sobule. The song they wrote together, “Bound to Happen,” is featured in the documentary film If You Build It.

Over the past decade or so, Levy has released a dozen of his own recordings—some song- oriented, some instrumental. His latest is the lyrically driven Portuguese Subtitles. Another of Levy’s recent releases is Live from Sun Studio, which he recorded with his electrified trio at the legendary Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash famously got their starts. His 2010 album, The Heart Collector, is an all-acoustic session, supported by a successful Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign. In their online review of The Heart Collector, music magazine No Depression said, “There really isn't anything to prove when you're this good and have always been this good. The Heart Collector has only confirmed, reaffirmed, and validated that Levy is one of the best songwriters and musicians in the business. It is a great album overflowing with warm and soulful songs that enchant the ears and captivate the heart.”

Several cities have been home to Levy over the years, including New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. He currently lives in another culture-rich municipality, Los Angeles—the city in which he was born.

My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz by my stepfather, when I was 10 or so. He was really into the Crusaders and Benny Goodman, and he'd always listen to his LPs *loud*. The message was clear: Jazz is not supposed to be polite or well behaved. The best show I ever attended was the Paul Motion Trio (with Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano) at Bach Dynamite & Dancing Society in Half Moon Bay, California around 1991. Three very strong personalities united by a singular artistic vision. So bold, so dynamic, so unforgettable. The first jazz record I bought was 'Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet.' It still sounds great to me. My advice to new listeners would be to not worry about the history of the music, which is vast. Just relax, listen, and enjoy. If you're feeling adventurous, try to tune into just one instrument at time—such as the guitar, or the drums; then listen again to everyone playing together. That can be a fun way to listen.