Pete Levin
Certified Organic
Pete Levin Music
by George W. Harris

Associated with Gil Evans' Orchestra back in the 70s, keyboardist Pete
Levin has put out a series of clever and engaging solo releases that
include intriguing variations of the Hammond Organ Trio theme. Like his
last disc, Deacon Blues. Levin takes some overlooked tunes, combines
them with his own compositions, and mixes and matches various
personnel, like guitarists Joe Beck and John Cariddi, to create a disc
with a steady groove, but with lots of intriguing rabbit trails to
stroll along. Originals like "I'm Falling" have a rock steady feel,
while Jaco Pastorious' "Teen Town" (which includes some great sax work
by Erik Lawrence) is given an extra bit of seasoning and flexibilty.
Gil Evans' "Where Flamingos Fly" has some vibrant guitar work by Joe
Beck, and percussionist Ernie Colon gives an extra kick to Moacir
Santos' "Nana". The entire disc has a pre-classic era Weather Report
feel to it: long and deep relentless grooves with exotic organic
flavorings. Fun stuff.