Ben Levin, Making Movies and Mai Leisz are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
BEN LEVIN – BEFORE ME (2019): Ben Levin’s second album features touches of Chicago blues, New Orleans soul and consistently strong original songs with a few covers thrown in. The young pianist leads a stellar band, including legendary drummer Phillip Paul, through 12 songs which prove the blues is alive and well. Check out the interplay between Levin’s piano and the rest of the band on “Lightnin’.” The first notes of “I Feel So Good” and Ben Levin’s earnest vocal and jaunty piano grab you and don’t let go.
MATTHEW WHITAKER – NOW HEAR THIS (2019): The August 9 release of Now Hear This by Resilience Music Alliance is a a welcome addition to the plethora of jazz albums this summer. The single “Tranquility,” which is out now, only hints at the talent of this multi-instrumentalist and band leader. At 18 years of age, Matthew Whitaker displays a gravitas and passion on the acoustic piano which mesmerizes. On “Freedom Jazz Dance,” Whitaker flies around the Hammond B3, displaying stunning skill and taste. Appearing with a very deep bench of players such as guitarist Dave Stryker and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., Whittaker has produced an album not to be missed.
CHE APALACHE – REARRANGE MY HEART (2019): Che Apalache’s “The Wall” lets you know you are in for something different. The Bela Fleck-produced Rearrange My Heart combines concise Americana songs with stellar playing by Franco Martina on guitar, Martin Bobrik on mandolin, Pau Barjau on banjo and leader Joe Troop. Fleck, ever the master of sonics, produces a clean and authentic sound that lets the fascinating combination of Latin and American influences produce something wholly original and fascinating. Listen to Che Apalache’s song “The Dreamer” if you need further convincing.
MAIGROUP – METAMORPHOSIS (2019): If you’ve had the good fortune of seeing David Crosby and friends on tour this year, then you have no doubt been blown away by the musicianship of bassist Mai Leisz. Metamorphosis, her third album as leader, further demonstrates that instrumental prowess as well as her skill as a writer, producer and band leader. The album combines elements of jazz and rock which are completely engaging, yet steer clear of cliche. “Monarch,” the opening track, is a lovely melodic dance where pianist Simon Berggren and Mai Leisz create an ethereal soundscape before sax man Bjorn Arko and guitarist Calle Stalenbring bring in rock texture. Coproducer Greg Leisz and David Crosby also contribute touches of pixie dust but MaiGroup’s Metamorphosis shines due to Mai Leisz’s compositions and the bands arrangements.
MAKING MOVIES – AMERI’KANA (2019): Ameri’kana is in some ways is a continuation to the Making Movies’ 2017 release, I Am Another You. Los Lobos saxaaphonist Steve Berlin returns, co-producing with Ben Yonas. Like their prior album, Ameri’kana offers an unflinching view of the U.S. and how the immigrant experience has been distorted by those in power so that they may remain in power. The music is powerful, as always. “Pedacito De Papel,” which features Asdru Sierra from Ozomatli, hits on all cylinders with its completing groove and powerful vocals (en espanol). The Ruben Blades-sung “Delilah” doesn’t have the rhythmic punch of “Pedacito De Papel,” but does have a lyric heft and rock groove making it as effective. Ameri’kana proves once again that Making Movies knows how to make socially conscious music which is as musically compelling as it is socially relevant.
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