Peter and Tony Levin: The Levin Brothers

Here’s a brother combo that, if it had one more member, could rival the Heath Brothers. Peter plays  piano and B3, while Tony picks the cello and bass along with Jeff Siegel/dr, David Spinozaza/g, Erik Lawrence/sax and guest Steve Gadd/dr. Moods and styles vary, but fraternal bonds remain, with a classic jazz trio that skips like a stone on Lake Superior on “Bassics” to a soul jazz boogie on “Special Delivery.” The bros do their Latin Lover impersonation with Spinozza’s electric guitar on the B3 smoker “Havana” and Lawrence’s tenor is tough as nails on the boogaloo-able “Jumpin’ Jammies.” Levin’s solos on either bass or cello are magnificent, gloriously lyrical on “Matte Kudasai” and “Ostropolya” and Levin’s Hammond needs a smoke alarm on the playful “I Got Your Bach.” It’s refreshing to remember that good jazz can also be fun as well. Get rid of that scowl and give these guys an ear.

Lazy Bones Records

www.lazybones.com

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