Take Your Time
Vizztone, 2022
8/10
The Cincinnati youngster Ben Levin returns with more of his exceptional piano based blues tunes, and it’s some of his best and heaviest to date that features legends like Lil’ Ed, Bob Stroger, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Johnny Burgin and Noah Wotherspoon.
The title track opens the listen with Levin’s bouncy keys and soulful voice guiding the rugged yet melodic climate, and “Jazzman Blues” follows with a swift and dance floor friendly appeal that welcomes Stroger’s inimitable voice and bass playing.
Further on, the vocal harmonies of “Hole In The Wall” are met with crisp drumming, Ed’s agile pipes, and, of course, Levin’s firm key acrobatics, while “Bad Boy” trims the pace back with a calmer but no less impactful demeanor of emotive blues that benefits much from Stroger’s 92 year old voice.
Deeper still, “Lump Of Coal” brings plenty of grit from Reed for the timeless blues, and “Mr. Stroger’s Strut” exits the listen with a bouncy instrumental thanks to Stroger’s bass, Wotherspoon’s guitar and Levin’s adaptable piano playing.
At just 22 years old, Levin is already a seasoned vet, and his song craft is just as luminous as those that inspired him. No matter where you start in his esteemed catalog of music, you’re sure to get top notch blues rock, as evidenced by this excellent body of work.
Travels well with: Chris Badnews Barnes- Badnews Rising; Gabe Stillman- Just Say The Word