Description
Label Review.
2019 album. Blues.
Our Overview.
19 year old, Cincinnati blues pianist/singer/songwriter Ben Levin - who is just finishing his first year of college - is releasing his second album “Before Me’. After garnering two Blues Blast Music Award nominations for his first release ‘Ben’s Blues’, Ben Levin returns with another enticing package. On his sophomore release, the brilliant musician features performances by his musical friends and heroes Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore, and (King Records drummer) Phillip Paul.
‘Before Me’ features Ben’s mesmerising piano playing, relaxed vocals, and a half dozen noteworthy original songs. Listening to this album, you start to think that Levin is the product of decades of long nights in dark clubs and smoky juke joints. He has that sound, a mature perspective that comes from totally immersing yourself in the music until it permeates the deepest recesses of your soul.
The phrase “old soul” certainly applies to Ben Levin. It is remarkable that he has managed to learn much of the essence of the blues piano traditions at such a young age. Ben started playing professionally at age 11 with his father's band, the Heaters, and now plays 100+ gigs a year while attending the University of Cincinnati. Ben has played prestigious shows/events in the U.S. and around the world such as the Cincy Blues Fest, the LaRoquebrou (France) International Boogie and Blues Festival, the UK Boogie Fest, and the Beauforthuis festival in the Netherlands. In 2018 the Ben Levin Duo reached the semi-finals in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. In 2018 he was nominated for two awards from Blues Blast magazine: Debut CD of the year for “Ben’s Blues” and Sean Costello Rising Star award.