Ben Levin – Presents A Holiday Blues Revue
10 songs time – 37:07
Cincinnati-based blues pianist-singer Ben Levin has regaled us with an early Christmas present of cool Christmas blues with the help of a few guest elves. Other than Lil’ Ed and Lil’ Jimmy Reed who lend a more traditional blues slant, the rest is more reminiscent of the cool Christmas blues of Charles Brown. Various guitarists and rhythm sections are employed. Ben and his father Aron wrote eight of the ten songs.
“Candy Cane” has Lil’ Ed Williams on vocals and his ubiquitous slide guitar. Other than the title it is a straight ahead blues song rather than a Christmas song, but none-the-less a fine song also with Ben’s exuberant piano.
Charles Brown’s “It’s Christmas Time” is uncanny in Ben’s vocal having some similarity to Brown’s voice and delivery. Aron Levin, Ben’s dad plays some tasty jazzy guitar to give the song more Charles Brown flavor. He also adds great guitar on eight of the ten songs here. Ben contributes B-3 organ as well as piano. “Elf Boogie” is just as advertised, Ben’s high energy boogie woogie piano juxtaposed with his lively vocals.
Chitlin’ circuit veteran Sonny Hill lends his hushed voice to the ballad “Next Christmas”, that talks about longing for his loved one next holiday time. Ben plays electric piano on this one. Ben does a duet with the warm voiced Candice Ivory on “Christmas Mood”, with Ben on organ and Takuto Asano offering up some jazzy guitar. Santa narrates his misadventure about neglecting his better half after delivering presents throughout the world on “Forgot Mrs. Claus”.
“Regifted” laments his girl giving his Christmas gifts to another beau. He conveys the loss of his girl in the style of Charles Brown. Ben replaces piano with organ on “Skating” from the Charlie Brown cartoon soundtrack to give the classic instrumental new life. Blues singer-guitarist Lil’ Jimmy Reed handles Ben’s “Lump Of Coal”, Giving it the feel of an old Christmas blues classic. Santa laments being surrounded by tons of imposters as Ben tinkles some Professor Longhair inspired piano. At the end he spies a fake Santa dancing with the Mrs.. Bah Humbug!!!
An early delivery for your Christmas stockings in this well conceived holiday present. Ben Levin and his elves have managed to create a fresh sounding Christmas song collection. They concocted quality holiday originals as well as breathing new life into the two covers songs. This CD is sure to enhance the delight of the holiday season with its’ fanciful and sentimental tunes. And to all a good night…
