Cincinnati-based blues pianist/singer Ben Levin releases his fifth VizzTone album, a Christmas present wrapped in the blues: Ben Levin Presents A Holiday Blues Revue. For years, Levin has been inspired by classic holiday blues recordings from artists like Freddy King, Charles Brown, and Amos Milburn, among others. He recorded his first holiday-themed track in 2019, and has been building towards this album ever since. This album features many guest artists, and many different styles of blues.

As Ben puts it: “I am honored to have been able to feature so many great artists on this album, and they each contributed perfectly to these unique styles and sounds: Lil’ Ed showcases pure Chicago blues inspired by his uncle J.B. Hutto, Sonny Hill channels soul from the chitlin’ circuit, Candice Ivory highlights how to defy genres, blending blues and jazz, and Lil’ Jimmy Reed brings out the deep blues of Baton Rouge.”

When two-time Blues Music Award nominee and budding music historian Ben Levin first contacted Lil' Jimmy Reed, the two bluesmen discovered that their musical synergy was effortless. It was soon clear to Levin that producing the capstone album of this treasured icon who epitomizes the Louisiana down-home blues style was an important contribution to recorded blues history. Lil' Jimmy Reed's powerful harmonica playing, stinging guitar, and commanding vocals are showcased in a mixture of covers and original songs written by Ben Levin, his father Aron Levin, and Lil' Jimmy.

credits releases May 19, 2023

Lil’ Jimmy Reed-guitar/harmonica/vocals; Ben Levin-piano; Aron Levin-second guitar; Walter Cash Jr.-bass; Ricky Nye-drums (1-3 and 5-9); Shorty Starr-drums (4 and 10)

BEFORE ME is the second album from brilliant young blues pianist/singer/songwriter Ben Levin. Featuring performances by his musical friends and heroes Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore, and Phillip Paul (King Records drummer). Listening to this album, you start to think that Levin is the product of decades of long nights in dark clubs and smoky juke joints. He has that sound, a mature perspective that comes from totally immersing yourself in the music until it permeates the deepest recesses of your soul. The reality is that Ben is just finishing his first year of college. But, make no mistake his musical apprenticeship is over. The joy he feels for the music radiates from every track, and his skillful presentation will keep you coming back for more.