|
Gliding is the state of weightless floating. A fitting
title for the dreamlike melody, in which Steve Oliver sets
wonderful accents on the acoustic guitar. Mike is chastened by
the muse as his hand slides over the keys. Sometimes it is a
good decision to pause and reflect on your situation and
actions. Reflection captures the moment of
contemplation exquisitely.
Of course, we also have the right to relax and simply do
nothing. Because Levine gives us every reason and justification
to do so with Just Chillin. The interpersonal
relationship is not neglected on his album. I Found You
takes on this theme in a skillful way. There's even a little
improvisation on piano and guitar with Dan Warner in there. I have already encountered the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby on many albums, for example by Marvin Thompson Jr., Jake Shimabukuro, Tony Adamo, Bob Baldwin, Lisa Lauren, Sylvia Brooks, Julia Fordham, just to name a few. Mike's interpretation speaks for the unrestricted radiance of this pop standard that has outlasted the decades. Star Gazing was the title song of Mike's album from 2017. Now he is adding a vocal version that features the singers LeNard Rutledge and Wendy Pedersen. Both have performed together several times, especially in Miami, and are well-known show stars. Simple Samba is Mike's accolade to the Brazilian music, for which for example Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim or Ary Barroso became style formers. Nice And Easy sparkles with a sophisticated horn arrangement by Camilo Valencia which is perfectly implemented by trombonist Dana Teboe, trumpeters Bob Zottola and Julio Diaz furthermore saxophone player Ed Maina. The album concludes with the track On Ramp. Randy Bernsen is the soloist who proves his skills on the guitar.
Mike Levine is a thoroughbred musician who does not put himself
in the foreground. His qualities grow in secrecy, in
composition, in organization, in arrangement, in the selection
of suitable co-players. Then, when everything is right and the
album is perfect, you appreciate its quality, as with Just
Chillin.
Buy the album
in all stores
Album Information
Title: Just Chillin
|
The
title and cover photo of his new album already signal it, Mike
Levine's Just Chillin (2021) is for relaxation. After
his albums From The Heart (2006), Thinking Of You
(2011) and Star Gazing (2017) is this project his
fourth album.
