A Holiday Blues Revue
VizzTone, 2024
9/10
Listen to A Holiday Blues Revue
The Cincinnati sensation Ben Levin brings his piano playing to these diverse holiday songs that embrace a blues foundation and welcomes plenty of guests.
The rowdy and warm “Candy Cane” opens with Lil’ Ed’s soulful and powerful pipes complementing Levin’s dynamic keys, and “It’s Christmas Time” follows with much grace, where dreamy piano is met with eloquent singing from Levin.
Further along, Sonny Hill’s distinct pipes guide the stylish and soft mood of “Next Christmas”, while “Christmas Mood” spotlights Candice Ivory’s silky pipes amid bright keys and crisp drumming.
Lil’ Jimmy Reed is in attendance near the end, where the rich and rhythmic “Lump Of Coal” emits meticulous guitar and cozy keys for the album’s best, and “Santacon” exits with swift drums, bouncy bass and Levin’s inimitable finger acrobatics via the playful finish.
An effort that’s never short on grooves, the Chicago and Baton Rouge blues won’t go unnoticed, as Levin continues to solidify his place as one the best in modern blues.
Travels well with: Ben Levin- Take Your Time; Amanda Fish- Kingdom