L.D. Levy is a jazz multi-instrumentalist and playwright who is a self-taught musician. As a longtime member of the jazz scene, L.D. Levy has toured Europe as a woodwinds soloist and has played with the likes of Beaver Harris, Ed Blackwell, Don Cherry, Richard Davis, collaborating with the Astral Weeks bassist for a full LP, 1979’s ‘Cauldron’. Levy’s latest project is titled ‘d n a n d’ and offers so many interesting layers & dimensions from a musical standpoint. As a former alto sax player myself, playing in jazz bands in jr. high and high school, the love for this woodwind instrument and style of music has not wavered over time. I always appreciated the freedom one had when playing jazz as there seemed to be no limits to where you could venture artistically. L.D. Levy is a true master of the improvisations and proves it with his latest release called ‘d n a n d’.
The album features L.D. Levy on bass clarinet, alto flute, alto sax, piano and Paul Westfahl (Max Devereaux, Troubadours of Rhythm) on drums. Together, these talented musicians have created compositions that are both adventurous and tasteful. Showing no restraints, L.D. Levy let’s the music take him to unchartered areas where the imagination can run wild. The end result is ‘d n a n d’ that is the epitome of skilled jazz improvisation.
The record kicks off with an inquisitive number where X marks the spot with the “Map” leading listeners to a treasure trove of sound. A sense of mystery & wonder fills the airwaves on “Map” where sensible playing can be heard along with a thoughtful and unique arrangement. A masterful performance by L.D. Levy is on deck next with “Sunsum”. This track will keep you engaged and enthralled from start to finish due to the vibrant presence surrounding “Sunsum”. Levy is taking you on a wild journey next with plenty of twists & turns on “Eros and Distance” where a suspenseful light guides the way. The following composition is titled “Suite Suele: I. Belle Bete (god less man)” where short but sweet notes come pouring out of your speakers and entice your senses. L.D. Levy appears to be truly feelin’ it and in the zone on “Suite Suele: II. Hongroise”. Prepare for an overall enjoyable listening experience that will not disappoint on “Suite Suele: III. La”. It’s now time to take a trip down memory lane and head to your local, smokey jazz lounge where timeless music and “Smoke” fills the air. Levy is playing like a champ on the following number where “Blue Lotus” is soaring high and standing tall. The alto saxophone is on full display in all its shiny glory on “Saxophone, per se: I. Impression” with such a fullness of sound being displayed. Levy ends on a high note with the mighty sax bringing pure “Joy” to my ears. “Saxophone, per se: II. Joy” makes me feel good with L.D. Levy doing the alto sax major justice by delivering a star-studded performance.
L.D. Levy is a highly-skilled player who brings extreme creativity and originality to the table with ‘d n a n d’. I highly recommend taking a deep listen to ‘d n a n d’ because L.D. Levy is a man on a mission to bring jazz improvisation back to the forefront of society.
By Jimmy Rae
