Before Me
VizzTone, 2019
8/10
The Cincinnati pianist and singer-songwriter Ben Levin brings some heavy hitters in on this sophomore album, as Bob Margolin, Bob Corritone and Philip Paul help bring these soulful and mature tunes to life.
“I Feel So Good” starts the listen with strong rhythm, bluesy guitars and Levin’s youthful yet wise vocals as playful keys guide the way thorough the authentic opener, and “Pappy” follows with a feel good spirit that you can’t help but move your body to.
Elsewhere, “Confessin’ The Blues” further displays Levin’s talent with the piano on an emotive offering, while “Creole Kitchen”, a Levin original, tumbles with hypnotic melody on a vocal-less highlight.
Deep in the record, “Load Off My Back” recruits a hand clapping retro setting with a timeless approach, and “Lightnin’’ picks up the pace into a busy display of massive skill. “Open Late” ends the album with Levin’s keys front and center as soft harmonicas and restrained percussion come together on an adventurous exit.
Though Levin is still a youngster, he plays like a seasoned vet here, drawing parallels to Harry Connick Jr. while putting a fresh coat of paint on some classic tunes and offering some well thought out originals you won’t forget anytime soon, too. Not bad for a guy who’s not even old enough to legally drink, right?
Travels well with: Bob Margolin-Bob Margolin; Bob Corritore & Friends; Do The Hip-Shake Baby!