Levi Kreis
The Gospel According To Levi
© 2007 Levi Kreis (700261206677)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
A diverse collection of pop/rock, ragtime, and gospel with contagious lyrical content that will challenge all that is familiar.
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notes
I approached this album more from the position of a songwriter with a contextual theme rather than creating an aural palette that represented who I am musically, hence the genre-bending nature of the album. Over the years, I had tucked away some very personal lyrics, sort of a series of snapshots over the course of a 15-year journey. This journey revolved around my rich, passionate history with the church and my internal struggle with the exclusive mentality that unfortunately is inherent in religion. I was attempting to spotlight the separatist consciousness that is characteristic of those who claim, “this is the way to heaven, and any way unlike the one I understand is wrong”. In my opinion, it is one of the most damaging characteristics of humankind; the desperate need to be right, even at the expense of others. I believe that God is so much broader and all-encompassing than what our limited minds can understand. Therefore, my intention was to challenge the intolerance that results from clinging to one man’s interpretation of a letter while conveniently ignoring the true essence of the unconditional, embracing love of Christ.
I received a bit of hate mail for this CD, as a few people interpreted this album as my denouncement and degradation of Christ. This is not the message of this album, nor is that my heart concerning the matter. Surprisingly, for every one letter spewing anger, there were hundreds more expressing how they could so deeply relate to the lyrics enclosed in this body of work. I am most grateful for the song I wrote for my mom as I have heard more response from mothers, daughters, sons, and even dads sharing how that song played a role in bringing love back into the family unit. If you happen to be someone who shared your story with me, know that you gave inspiration back to me at just the right time! So, my sincerest of thanks!
“U Found Me” and “We’re Okay” were used for a Tori Spelling movie called “Kiss the Bride”. The music video for “We’re Okay” ran for 15 weeks in the top 10 on Logo’s Click List, and remained at #1 for nine weeks. “The Reckoning” was featured on “Fresh Air” in the UK, and other songs have found their way to radio here and there. Pretty cool considering that me and my buddy Travis Howard recorded this in his little apartment on an old eight track recorder. Man, we sweated our balls off all summer trying to make this sound good. And talk about a shoe-string budget! Truly, the most fun I’ve ever had recording an album.
In hindsight I believe it was very important for me, personally, to create an album like “The Gospel According To Levi”. There was something freeing about the process that allowed me to be at peace with my past and begin moving towards a more precise definition of who I am as an artist overall.
Thanks for listening! Levi
reviews
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Sweeet!
author: Jamison PitcherThis was a fun CD, I shouldn't have waited so long to get it. :)
The Gospel According To Levi
author: Mark YarnellExcellent CD!! Wonderful!! I can't wait to see him perform these live!
WOW
author: william l shepard jrI just Got Gospel & I love it. I hadn't read the previous reviews, as to not spoil anything. It is so different than his first album I would have asked is this the same man, but there is no mistaking that wonderful voice. I don't have a favorite song as yet, because they're all so good. As with Eric Himans new album, I would have liked a couple more Levi/piano songs, but that isn't a criticism at all.
Gospel According to Levi
author: dproppIt is incredible that Levi writes songs that touch the heart exactly where one is at. His lyrics and style on this album are so different than "One of the Ones", which was exactly what I needed at the time. And "The Gospel According to Levi" is exactly what I need now. Thank you so much. Kudos to Mr. Kreis for saying what he does in a way I never could.
gospel according to levi
author: ted jonesthe song we're okay hits home i'm from the south and it was hard to come out so we did make a wall between us. but as for levi just like his frist cd youll love this one and i like to know when the next one comes out thanks and if levi would like to contack me please let him for he still the love my life
Gospel According to Levi
author: Denis R BenoitI bought this on the basis of the video that's ruled Logo for over a month now. Though I liked the whole album the first time I heard it, I find I'm liking it more every time I listen to it. I'm a fairly firm agnostic, so the religious aspects tend to roll off my back like duck water, but the humanity still comes through and touches me in unexpected places.
Gospel According To Levi
author: Ken SrokaHi Levi, I'm enjoying your CD very much. I see We're OK is still number 1 on Logos The Click List. Best of everything you do. Hope to see you when you Come to NY/NJ again. Love,, Ken
The Gospel According To Levi
author: Markus JohnsonLevi, Thick with texture, Rich with sound, I'm a fumbling boy whose never heard something like this.Your vocals are AMAZING !!! Youv'e got me. Markus Johnson.markuspayne7@yahoo.com.
Great!
author: Randall J EastmondHaving grown up in a religious family I can relate to the music that Levi has written. I have yet to have the 'Discussion' with my family, however as I am inspired by others in their outings, I am closer to the big day myself. Thanks Levi for standing up to be a leader in the music world for gays and lesbians.
It's like falling in love all over again
author: Sean PleasantI LOVE THIS CD!!! Its the only thing thats been playing in my car for the past month! Bittersweet Salvation is perhaps the best song on the cd followed very closely by futurelove. I recommend this cd to all!
the boy is amazing.......having just discovered him......
author: davidi discovered the young man......online, from a cruise critic bud....... ...merely days before the rsvp cruise........where he was a minor attraction...........(more on that later)............ and fell in love with the soul in his voice.....never having heard OF him.......or actual him.......... but i sought him out on the ship......sat through his shows......and alas........an epiphany......... as cher sings.........."when you meet a boy........that you like a lot........"........... ok, more about the singing in a minute.......... i realized i'd seen him in a traveling show......."southern baptist sissies".......by del shores........ he played the "stripper"........very believably..........and at the finale, at the parker playhouse in fort lauderdale he sang a soulful song........and we, (my friends and i, having enjoyed the show, the play, the acting, etc).... asked "um, what was that song for"?.......(other than to showcase an amazing young voice..........) and we walked away impressed.......by the beautiful young man with the soulful voice.......... ok......return to the ship......rsvp caribbean princess........so here he is, a minor attraction....... overshadowed by amy armstrong.......(which is cool........dues paid).......and american idol wannabes......... also cool..... and his shows were not all that well attended.........because of the above competition........... so that leaves us......the newbies.........um......devotees......as it were.......... (actually, hard to be a devotee.......at that point i hadn't even bought a cd yet..........) ok, here's the review.........whew......thanks for staying with me........i wander sometimes.......... this kid has got it.........i mean IT.......he's young, hot, plays the piano in a jerry lee lewis kind of way..... his arrangements are amazing...........his vocalizations border from soul/gut wrenching to pop star.......... with a turn of phrase he can make you weepy.....honest to god......tears....... to enormously energized........ (i could see him in a broadway revival of jesus christ superstar)...........as freaking jesus............. (and not just because of his name).........LOL as for the cd..........finally......i bought the "one of the ones"........all ballads.......all self created.......all soulful.........all meaningful........... i love this kid, and i told him so on the ship..........he's gonna be huge!!!!!!!! just a one man opinion...........(ok, a one man with several degrees in music)............LOL sincerely david krongelb my love to the boy........... i'm sure i'll see him again...........
Great Performance for the second year before 800 or more world class dentists @
author: Dusty Loeffler DMDThis CD plays nicely as a follow up to the first. Obviously similar style but with a different passion. Great music with Style and Grace.
Communes with my soul
author: Franklin TrimmHow unexpected to play this CD and hear my soul being poured in words and notes I could never have expressed but so wanted to. What a healing experience. I can't quit listening.
Brought Tears to my eyes!
author: Lynn McMurreyThe variety of styles and quality of vocals on this CD is amazing. I usually just listen to the music or the beat, but here I could not stop playing "The Reckoning". The lyrics touched something deep in me, and brought tears to my eyes (I am not the crying type). I want more!!
love love this cd
author: kieththis cd i just awsum!!! have never heard of him before. what a great voice! cd is great for driving or just to clean the house. have told all of my friends about him, they love it!!
Stunning CD!
author: Glenn RondoAmazing! The best tracks are We're Okay (this song tells my story), Same Ol' Me (heartbreaking- this has happened to me), It Is Well With My Soul (stunning), and The Reckoning (I don't know how to define this song, but it shows Levi Kreis is an amazing songwriter). I don't know what other artist to compare him to, but if you like deep, soulful singer/songwriters, you will not be disappointed with this CD.
soulful, to the point
author: Rickcan hear his roots, but great sound and heartfelt meaning to the lyrics..we love it and plan to buy it!
Awesome!!!! This is the best CD on the market.
author: DavidThis CD is so uplifting and encouraging for the GLBT community.. Great Job!!!
thank you Levi
author: ToriI love this new cd as much as the last one.When i play this cd i can't help but smile as i'm walking down the streets, the music makes me belive in love and hope.There is no words to truly express how levi's music speaks to me. Levi's music is a gift that i'm greatful he shares with us all.
Excellent CD for those "recovering" fundamentalists
author: Markus HonakerMan, if you were raised in a fundamentalist denomination like I was (Seventh-Day Adventist), you will TOTALLY understand where Levi is coming from with his second CD, and I would HIGHLY recommend buying it. His thoughts are clear, concise, to the point, and best of all, utterly heartfelt. He knows from first-hand experience how incredibly difficult the road to recovery is from all the negative crap that fundamentalists lay on you one Bible verse bullet at a time. Better yet, he captures the joy that awaits those who escape that past and offers you the courage to know you are truly free. Way to go, Levi!
I'm liking my little Leevee
author: RichCD number 2, got it, listened, and I like it. Favorite track: Same Ole Me. Heard it live at Play in Nashville and got to see his cute little butt wiggle all during the performance. Awesome CD! I would buy both all over again.
Wow!
author: Ricky MorganI loved Levi's first cd and when I heard he had a second one coming out I was realy excitied! I got the cd in the mail yesterday and I freakin LOVE it! Its so much better than his first one! Thanks Levi for this piece of ear candy!