Refraction

Reinvigorating jazz-room tunes like Cole Porter's 'Night and Day' and Frank Loesser's 'If I Were a Bell' is the trio's objective, which they deliver beautifully as they integrate their own interpretations of structured motifs, exercising their imagination and flexing their prowess as jazz improvisers. ~ Susan Frances, Yahoo! The Alex Levin Trio needs no introduction to lovers of jazz - they've been around playing and recording for many years now. This new album is for the 'everyone' out there - whether labeled jazz lovers or no. The songs on this album are from the American Songbook, songs we all know and love and now there is more of a reason to love them. That reason is the smooth and supple sound Alex Levin finds in the keyboard and translates that into something entirely new, fresh, and better. ~ Grady Harp, 5 out of 5 Stars From the first notes, one can't help but notice Levin's elegant, Hank Jones-like touch. But it's also evident that he's taken his cue from Bill Evans in finding beauty and lyricism in virtually everything he plays. And he never loses track of that all-important requirement: it must swing! His trio consists of Diallo Hines, bass, and Ben Clines, drums, and they prove to be very simpatico to Levin's crystalline concept. And how can one argue with his choice of tunes, everyone a time honored winner. We are treated to My Romance, a staple in the Evans book; two Cole Porter gems, Night And Day and All Of You; the piano favorite, Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise; a right hand with Pete Jolly crispness on If I Were A Bell; and a fresh visit to Green Dolphin Street. On an album that delights from the first note to the last, Levin's final two entries were my favorites: Thelonious Monk's rarely heard San Francisco Holiday (Worry Later) is an all Monk curio; and Matt Dennis's Everything Happens to Me is an example of straight forward piano perfection. I'm very impressed with Levin's total honesty. He honors a tradition of impeccable jazz pianists, and thus becomes one of them. ~ George Fendel, Jazzscene The Alex Levin Trio is comprised of Alex Levin on piano, Ben Cliness on drums, and Diallo House on bass. This New York City-based jazz combo is best known in their home town as well as in Japan where they apparently already have a very dedicated following. Refraction is the fourth full-length release from this trio...and it's chock full of inviting light jazz that is perfect for setting that exact mood during the evening hours. House and Cliness provide the exacting jazzy/funky backdrop as Levin's fluid keyboard playing takes center stage. These tunes have a classy and classic sound that should appeal to just about anyone who loves cool jazz artists from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Levin, Cliness, and House aren't trying to push the envelope here...instead preferring to simply play music that is soothing, resilient, and reflective. Eight groovy cuts including 'My Romance,' 'If I Were A Bell,' and 'Everything Happens To Me.' ~ Don S., LMNOP Magazine This piano jazz trio strides proudly into it's second decade. Note perfect throughout, Levin and the guys are keepers of the flame here, delivering a shining set with sparkle and low key fire that keeps your attention long after the record is done. Well done. ~ Chris Spector, Midwest Record The Alex Levin Trio is an internationally-acclaimed jazz piano trio. Beginning with Night and Distance (2002) the group has released a series of beloved recordings. The first album was 'discovered' by jazz fans in Japan who blogged about the CD's delicate sound and mood. Now in it's second pressing, Night and Distance has a passionate cult following both in the US and Japan. While gigging steadily in New York and abroad, Alex released A Reason for Being Alone in 2006. The second CD is a labor of love and features Alex's own compositions. The critics were unanimous in their praise for the work. The Alex Levin Trio's third CD New York Portraits is a love letter to New York and pianists associated with the city. It quickly reached the top of the charts in Japan a