About the Artist: Levi Kreis is an American recording artist and Tony Award winning actor from Oliver Springs, Tennessee, who released his debut album on November 17, 2005 accompanied by an appearance on a special XM radio edition of NBC’s hit reality show The Apprentice. Think Levi Kreis is just another faddish Actor/Artist to release a CD? Guess Again! This is his 6th CD release since 2005. Imagine Paradise is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. Kreis brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly emotional musical and vocal delivery. This meshed with a one in a million look, impressive songwriting touch, rock solid production value all via a Big Band Pop sound makes for a very effective combination. Kreis is just a breath away from Modern Poppy Jazz or Vocal Jazz but skillfully and methodically never cross into that realm. The end result is a superlative musical statement that has hints of the above musical flavors. All songs are wonderfully simple but masterful in their overall arrangements. Music reminded me of a cross between Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee, classic Eric Carmen and Joe Purdy. I can also hear Justin Timberlake, Aaron Carter, Nick Carter and Five. This CD is quite entertaining overall with an amazing vocal front of Kreis who s a musical triple threat in my mind. He combines world class songwriting with a great look, Impressive vocals and strong X-Factor qualities. Kreis has an amazing voice and without question a likeable appeal (visually and vocally). The lyrical content is straight from the heart and offers a very strong and confident soul searcher perspective and spirit. No doubt many females will fall for Kreis. All songs do exactly what they are meant to do via well-crafted movements and top tiered musicianship. The overall production value is superb with a crystal clear sound quality. I was extremely impressed with Kreis. For the record: he belongs in the deep end of the pool with other professional artists out there.
Official URL – http://www.levikreis.com
Top Tracks: Timeless, All Over Again, 4 Letter Word
Criticism: Kreis needs to modernize his sound just a tad. Maybe add in a few dark, thought provoking, gripping songs the mix as well.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Levi-Kreis/e/B001LHTSKO
Conclusion: Levi Kreis has proven himself again with this latest release. He’s clearly an established talent around Chicago and all band members/production team members/contributors deliver via this fully loaded 12 track set. I must admit “Imagine Paradise “ sucked me in like a powerful drug and refused to let go long after the CD was over. This usually indicates he is something special about the artist or band in question. Thus deserving praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Drew Blackwell edited by Joshua Beach
Review comments: joshuabeach9@gmail.com