Talented songwriter, Bob Levy, returns with another fine release
author: Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net
"Talented songwriter, Bob Levy, returns with another fine release of his original vocal numbers. Again performed by a crack Nashville unit led by veteran keyboardist, Jamey Whiting, the songs often return to a day when melody was king. Vocalists Perry Danos, Carolyn Martin, Dane Vanatter lend their talents to presenting a collection of 18 tunes that showcase a wider range of Levy's songwriting abilities.
Starting with Danos' smooth delivery on "Ever Since We Met" through Carolyn Martin's showstopping "Loving This Man" and the Brazilian-influenced title track, there are plenty of melodies that you'll find yourself humming along to. Cabaret jazz vocals, Broadway showtunes, flamenco ("You Can Say You're Sorry") pop ("Could This Be Love") and even bluesy rock ("One Reason") and country ("The Truth") are referenced with care. And again on this outing, the Nashville flavor shines through clearly, thanks to Whiting's Nashville pedigree and the professional sheen of the production. It is an appealing combination and one that fans of old-school songwriting will appreciate.
Throughout it all, Levy's lyrics stand as intelligent and sensitive and somewhat of a throwback to a time when lyrics told a story in an intelligible manner. Listening to the good singing, solid playing and pleasant songwriting from Levy and his friends makes for an enjoyable evening with friends indeed."
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An impressive collection of songs
author: Bert Gagnon, Neon Productions Radio on Musictogousa.com
Bob Levy's CD "Me & My Best Friends" is a combination of fantastic modern jazz songs with a touch of bossa, blues/jazz and a hint of country/americana. This is an impressive collection of songs that creates a total enjoyable listening experience as you go from track to track. Some of the tracks are reminiscent of Bob's previous cd "Out In The Cold" released in 2006 which was an
overwhelming success for this exceptional songwriter. But as you continue to listen to each track, you will hear a transition from what is expected with touches of blues and country/americana while maintaining continuity. The songs are powerfully passionate and fully displays the talent of award-winning songwriter Bob Levy and his co-writers Dennis Livingston, Karen Jacobsen, David Coons, Harriet Goldberg and the artists that perform these songs. This includes vocal powerhouses Perry Danos, John Foster, Carolyn Martin, Dane Vannatter, Juli Maners, Mike Lusk, Karen Jacobsen and Shelly Miller. Key tracks on this magnificent CD are "One Reason", "This Time", "You Can Say
You're Sorry", "You Won't Be Breaking My Heart", "Could This Be Love", "Between My Broken Heart and You", "The Truth" and "Sooner Than Someday".
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Absolutely memorable!
author: Dane Vannatter
For those who have said that they don’t write songs like they used to, Bob Levy proves them wrong. Bob's songs are timeless and not topical. They harken back to the classical Great American Songbook, when melodies were strong and the lyrics caressed the notes instead of squashing them like so many contemporary song lyrics do. His themes are timeless too and his songs are satisfying to sing. They swing lightly and my musicians like playing them and they appreciate the jazzy chord changes. The songs are strong enough so that there is not much need to over-interpret or over sing. I just enjoy the ride like I would a great Ellington song. I was drawn to the lyrics of these songs. Most songwriters today are knocking us over the head with syllables. Bob's songs have none of this harshness. They are sweet and simple but not simple-minded. I love the lyrics from top to bottom. I love the music, how the words sit on the notes. His songs are classic and understated. Absolutely memorable!
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FABULOUS CD!
author: Julie Esposito
So great to hear even more wonderful tunes from the pen of Bob Levy following the terrific "Out In The Cold" CD! Bob has a talent for both the swinging and the sweet when it comes to his songs. These songs, paired with the outstanding vocals on this CD, make it downright intoxicating!
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