  South
Florida based composer and pianist Mike Levine is according to his
biography since 1981 a composer. He wrote for radio and television
shows, commercial jingles and for numerous other musicians. Mike was
engaged with the Ross-Levine Band. After that he was comfortable
being a side man for several years but always continued writing. Finally he made the first step to his solo career and released From The Heart in 2006. With the exception of one song Mike has written all tracks. He performs on this album piano or e-piano. He is joined by Hiram Bullock, Dan Warner (guitar), Lee Levin (drums), Richard Bravo (congas), Tony Concepcion, Jason Carder (trumpets), Dana Teboe (trombone), Julio Hernandez, Rafael Valencia, Nick Orta (bass), Mike Scaglioni, Ed Calle (sax), Dana Paul (vocals). Camillo Valencia creates the horn arrangement and Gary Lindsey the string arrangement on one track each. Rarely do I like a piece of music after the first bars. Headin Home is such an exceptional example. Melody, rhythm and the horn arrangement are highly infectious and equally inspiring. From the Heart is another sonic treasure of the melody man, who tells melodies and doesn't just play them. Just Passin By wouldn't be the right advice for the next song. I learned to love Mike's piano playing too much for that. The title Pillow Talk promises intimate bed whisper, and in fact the instruments speak to us with all their warmth. Free Fall enlivens the melody with a vivid, slightly indicated samba rhythm. High Hopes suggests a certain proximity to the songs and style of The Rippingtons. On the other hand, Mike's piano playing takes the whole thing to new heights. Richard Bravo puts the finishing touches to the tune with his percussion work on the timbales. Always stimulates romantic feelings with its emotional playing and Ed Calle's lovely soprano sax. That's All is a 1952 song written by Alan Brandt with music by Bob Haymes. The rendition features vocalist Dana Paul with an eclectic presence. Southern Exposure reveals an unmistakable influence of South American Jobim flair. On Carmencita Mike weaves his magic in a Latin music tinged environment. A Baby's Breath creates a tender ending of the album like a lullaby. Mike Levine's debut From The Heart is creativity at its finest. I dare to say it is his greatest work. If you take this album as an introduction to his oeuvre, you won't be disappointed.
Buy the album in all stores Album Information
Title: From The Heart
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