Still Here
VizzTone, 2021
9/10
Even though he’s just a youngster, Ben Levin has racked up an impressive body of work, where his versatile piano playing and incredible singing resonate with both youthfulness and timeless that parallels the greatness of those that inspired him- Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis and many more.
“Love And Friendship” starts the listen with Levin’s bouncy keys, as his extremely soulful pipes sweep into the rhythmic, blues opener that never seems like it comes from a 21 year old, and “Still Here” follows with a calmer pace of powerful piano playing and Aron Levin’s spirited guitar work that complements the emotive landscape.
Elsewhere, “Bad Idea” moves with a playful energy that will get your body movin’ and groovin’ to the infectious blues climate, while “Please Let Me Get One Word In” benefits much from Oscar Bernal’s agile drumming as Levin’s heartfelt pipes draw us in to the relatable storytelling. “Christmas Rain”, another excellent track, then offers an initially bare and poetic display of retro blues flavor where Chris Douglas’ subtle bass won’t go unnoticed.
As we get near the end, the precise guitar and warm keys of “Her Older Brother” make this the album’s best track, and “I’m Your Essential Worker” exits the listen with Levin’s incredible delivery that’s not short on power and gritty melody as his firm keys and booming voice finish on a very high note.
There’s a nice balance of originals and covers included here, and Levin’s nods to New Orleans and his strong attention to detail make Still Here another first rate blues album of his that you’ll immediately enjoy.
Travels well with: Chris BadNews Barnes- Badnews Rising; Hector Anchondo- Let Loose Those Chains