Album Notes

Named among the TOP 10 JAZZ RELEASES OF 2004 by the editors of www.AllAboutJazz.com

"After Midnight Grooves" (Levtron 204) is the latest from Ron Levy's Wild Kingdom, on which the legendary organist and producer lays down a steamy set of soul-jazz tinged with Latin and funk. The supporting cast is outrageous: 3 percussionists keep things cooking, Karl Denson is a key player on sax and flute, and acid jazz legend Melvin Sparks lays down devastating, tasteful guitar solos on "Groovin Wichu" the title track,, and "Just the way it went." The most accessible cut might be "Like Back in the day," with its on the-edge-of-your-memory melody, but strings and prgramming make "Keepin' Up the Love" (with great guitar from Jeff Lockhart) and "Back at the Levshack" equally hip. Levy's piano and vibes add essential texture, his B-3 technique puts him in the top rank of todays traditionalists, and his compositional and arrangements skills put him in the next decade." Blues Revue 11/2004

"AFTER MIDNIGHT GROOVES extends the attention to detail and groove obsession that FINDING MY WAY demonstrated as my pick for '#1 Soul Jazz Cd of 2003'. Levy slows the rolling boil to a steamy simmer, at times adding strings appealing to the smoothest of the hippest 'after hours' jazz crowds. On the other funkier cuts, Levy and celebrated guest artists like Melvin Sparks and Karl Denson add vibrant colors, new dimensions, textures and intriguing arrangements to solid soul jazz rhythms, with flavors of Hip-Hop and Blues sprinkled in. Another, outstanding Levy effort!"
- Chuck Ingersoll -- host of the Soul Jazz Spectrum -- WGMC, Rochester NY -- www.wgmc.org

"Listen to Ron Levy and you'll hear the sound-of- SOUL played in today's modern-hip grooves. It's a low-down, blues/jazz funky swing that makes & keeps Ron Levy's music stay above the pack."
- Pete Fallico - host of The Doodlin' Lounge - KUSP, San Jose CA

"I'm speechless!" - Bob Porter - WGBO Newark NJ

"Listening to Ron Levy and his Wild Kingdom churn out one infectious groove after another is like getting on your favorite ride at the amusement park and not wanting it to end. Hearing Levy's attack the organ is bound to give all listeners a degree in Funk 101."
- Eric Cohen - WAER Syracuse NY