Josh Levinson - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Brian Fishler - Drums

Jeb Patton- Piano

Mike Eckroth - Piano on “180 Degrees”

Peter Brendler - Bass

Kenny Shanker - Tenor and Soprano Sax

Noah Bless - Trombone

Chauncey Street 9:42

‘F’ It 5:53

Wired 5:43

Without Struggle 12:13  

Rain 7:07

Heat 8:00

10,9,8,7... 5:56  

Avishai 7:24  

My Blues 5:09  

For Freddie 5:45  

180 Degrees 4:59 

Levinson describes Chauncey Street, giving the listener insight to his appealing compositions.  The title cut, “Chauncey Street,” was written in the 1990’s.  The Chauncey St. station was where I would pick up the J train for rehearsals. It wasn’t the safe neighbourhood it is now.   I would make Kevin Williams (the leader) meet me at the station, and I wouldn’t go unless he was there. This song conjures up that time for me -- the excitement and energy of a neighbourhood that was both scary and alluring.

 

“‘F’ It”: Well, you know what that saying is. Sometimes in life you have to just go for it. It’s a long tune, with several different feels, from funk to straight ahead and back.  Whereas, the track “Wired” is a Latin jazz tune, it has a concise head and a wonderful groove.

 

“Without Struggle” is one of my favorite compositions, the title alludes to the Frederick Douglas saying, “Without a struggle can be no progress.” This music is meant to reflect the internal struggles we have and the changes we can make when we overcome those struggles.  Brian Fishler takes a wonderful solo on the entire structure of this tune. “Rain” is a ballad that has a surprise ending that seems to come out of nowhere. Parts of the tune evoke the feeling that rains gives you—serene and mysterious.  In contrast, “Heat” is just that: hot. It’s funky, and it swings, great solos by all, and wonderful playing by the bass player, Peter Brendler.

 

“10, 9, 8, 7…” was influenced by Sam Jones’ tune “Del Sasser,” which has become a standard in the bebop repertoire. I love its intricate design, great rhythm section hits, and slick melody with assertive punctuation throughout. The title is meant to connote a musical explosion of sorts.

 

“Avishai” is written in honor of bassist Avishai Cohen. I love the freedom of “My Blues” it is unusual in that it has a 7/4 figure to open the tune, but it transitions quickly into straight-ahead swing in 4/4 time.

 

“For Freddie” was composed in honor of Freddie Hubbard, whom I revere. I listen to him all the time. I was going for the more advanced, modal harmonies Freddie worked with later in his career.  The final tune is called “180 Degrees.” Change is a huge theme in my life and in my work. Cultivating the ability to effect change on oneself and others through the power of music is, I believe, my life’s calling.

 

We invite you to discover the sheer musicality that Chauncey Street has to offer, the opportunity to enjoy the best of what jazz has to offer is a part of this entrancing release.  One listen and you will be convinced.  Levinson has put together a musically masterful offering that also lends itself to accessible enjoyment, a true achievement on his sophomore outing.