Croosover
by
Joanne DeAndrade
just got hit with the vibrant gale force of Level 10 and I seriously doubt my Brazilian pop jazz sensibilities will ever be the
same. Where have I been? Level 10 put out their debut CD Together in 2009, were named “Tampa’s Best Jazz Band” by CBS
Radio before touring Europe heavily. The skillful foursome mixes deep jazz chops with danceable grooves and powerhouse
melodies creating incredible energy that doesn’t quit for a minute on their genre-transcending second album Crossover.
Crossover is pure fiery fun, highlighted by the perfect trade off on melody and harmony between group founder, Levy
DeAndrade’s spirited keys and Rex Freligh’s brilliant sax lines and a rolling rhythm section with Yovannis Roque (electric and
acoustic bass), Tony Cintron (percussion) and Sean Fote (Drums). Crossover is filled with so many buoyant pleasures it’s
hard to know where to stop the praise. If this is Level 10, I can’t wait to see them at the next level of their career!
Jonathan Widran - Wine and Jazz
“The ensembles are tight, while the concise solos are soulful, melodic and passionate. The music could be called fusion, Latin
crossover or even smooth, but Level 10 does not limit itself to one genre and succeeds at carving out its own musical niche.
With their excellent musicianship and ability to say a lot in a short space, Level 10 clearly has a strong future. And Levy
DeAndrade proves throughout Crossover that he is a composer well worth watching.
Scott Yanow - Jazz Author & Journalist
"“It’s hard to pin down Level 10’s musical style, and that’s a good thing. There are some engaging smooth-jazz leanings, but
on Crossover you’ll get plenty of muscular funk, Latin, contemporary jazz and Brazilain-style music, the latter inspired by
leader Levy DeAndrade’s native country. This highly professional band, which has fans worldwide, is sure to expand its fan
base with a CD that will certainly rank among the top released in 2011.
Brian Soergel - Jazz Times"
My personal highlight of the whole Lancaster Festival though I must declare an interest in funky, Cuban, Brazilian and
American modern jazz played at Grammy nominated level and Level 10 are just that. Their performance at a packed Dalton
Rooms on the Sunday evening, one of the last shows of the festival was, for me, as good as it gets.
Levy DeAndrade (keys), Rex Freligh (sax), Yovannis Roque (bass) and Sean Fote (drums) are undisputed masters of their
respective instruments and the dexterity and ferocity with which they play together on Levy’s complex yet highly rhythmic
compositions is the key to the response this band received. Not only was the dance floor packed but the band received that
most positive of audience feedback: the audience’s approval after songs was so loud that the mics on stage started to pick it
up and feed the jubilant roar back into the PA. This is, as far as I know, something new for Lancaster. It happened with Level
10 on Sunday Oct. 10th 2010. May it happen here again and soon!
CME Artist, UK
It was a huge pleasure having you guys over here. The calibre of music you
brought to the festival was simply stunning. One of the best live gigs
I've ever seen. You're that good.
To have 300 punters in Lancaster dancing and screaming for more just goes
to show that your band puts all the right superlatives back into jazz.
Benjamin Ruth Founder CME Artist Services, UK
The new CD from Level 10 is titled Crossover and features 10 crisp instrumental jazz tracks. This is the band’s 2nd full length
CD, the follow-up to Together which was released in 2009. The band’s founder Levy DeAndrade wrote all of the original
songs on this cd. The CD also features Mas Que Nada (Sergio Mendes) and Dinorah (Ivan Lins). Imagine beautiful colors and
compelling textures put to music – that is what this CD captures. The band is amazing when playing live, and ‘Crossover’
contains that same passion and energy.
Level 10’s Crossover CD could be considered the perfect music to play at a Brazilian Happiness Party, a party where
everyone has a great time and the music easily brightens everything including the sun.
WeGotJazz .com
