Alex Levin, Pianist

About

Alex Levin

Originally from Philadelphia, Alex Levin has performed in Philadelphia and New York as a leader and a sideman for the last fifteen years. After studying at The New School with teacher Gary Dial, he transferred and graduated from Brown University in 1998 with a degree in English Literature. From 1998-2001 he lived in Berlin, Germany, where he started his first quartet, The Living Room. The popular band played at numerous clubs and festivals throughout Germany, and gained notoriety for unique interpretations of pop songs by the likes of Bjork and Tom Waits.

Alex has played with multiple vocalists and instrumentalists since returning to New York in 2001. He has appeared at clubs throughout the city, and can most frequently be found leading his own trio at such clubs as Kavehaz, Detour, Rue B and Night and Day. Besides leading his trio, Alex performs regularly with vocalists Ayana del Valle and Heather Moran. He has composed numerous pieces, and has arranged music for top vocalists, including the brilliant Paulette McWilliams.

Alex released his first CD of trio music, Night and Distance, in April of 2005. His first run of his CDs sold out within eight months of its release.

In October, 2006, he released his second CD, A Reason for Being Alone, featuring his own compositions and an expanded lineup of musicians, including saxophonists Stacy Dillard and Max Hacker, and cellist William Martina.

His composition "Your Call" was heard in the 2005 film "Parkstories," and his jazz writing has been published in The Saint Ann’s Review. In the summer of 2006, Alex was invited to play as part of the Jazz Composer's Forum in Asheville, North Carolina, where he presented a special concert of original music.

In addition to his work as a pianist, Alex works at Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn as an English teacher. In 2006, Alex was commissioned by the senior class of Middlebury College’s graduate program to compose three new pieces inspired by Appalachia. In the summer of 2008, The Alex Levin Trio were in residence at Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College in Vermont, where he offered lectures on listening to jazz, the legacy of John Coltrane, and inspiring arts through jazz.

New York Portraits, Alex's most recent CD, soared to the top of the charts on jazz radio stations across the country and in Canada.

Alex is available for bookings at high schools, colleges and universities where he can speak about improvisation, the history of jazz, and creating a satisfying career as an independent musician.

Personnel

Michael Bates: Bass
Brian Floody: Drums

Performance Schedule

Past Booked Dates:

09-24-2011 — The Alex Levin Trio at Smalls Jazz Club, 5-7pm
02-26-2010 — Manhattan Youth Community Center Kids Jazz Party, 7-9, 120 Warren Street
02-19-2010 — Manhattan Youth Community Center Kids Jazz Party, 7-9, 120 Warren Street
02-14-2010 — The New Museum
01-30-2010 — Quartet at Metrazur (wedding)
01-10-2009 — Solo Piano at Manhattan Penthouse (wedding)
09-06-2008 — The Alex Levin Trio plays live on WLIU from 9-11 AM
06-24-2008 — The Alex Levin Trio in Residence at Middlebury College
06-17-2008 — Corporate Event, solo piano
06-18-2007 — Trio at Lincoln Center (private event)

CDs For Sale

Night and Distance
A Reason for Being Alone

Experience

2006: 40 gigs
2007: 70 gigs
2008: 80 gigs
2009: 80 gigs
2010: 25 gigs

View Complete Calendar

http://alexlevinjazz.com/catch_us_live

Available for Your

Anniversary Party, Awards Night, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party, Bar/Lounge, Birthday Party, Club/Nightclub, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Cruise, Festival, Fundraiser, Grand Opening, Private Party, Religious Celebration, Restaurant, Studio Session, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception

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