When one mentions the name Mark Levine I know that they are talking about great music and that they know their music. The man is not only a great pianist, but also an accomplished composer, arranger, Jazz author, educator and a valve trombonist.

The Music of Mark Levine has touched the world of Jazz and Latin Jazz music for many years. Having worked with some of the legendary musicians in both genres of music, Mark has that special touch whether playing the straight-ahead stuff or Latin tinged jazz.

You know when he is at the keys by listening to the first few-notes. Having obtained a music degree from the prestigious Boston University and studied under Jackie Byard and Herb Pomeroy, Mark is more than qualified. Mark is the possessor of a unique talent. With the ability to play with versatility and authority, he has is own sound.

He is always creating great and exciting music. Having created such Latin Jazz classics as "Shoshana", "Serengeti", "Santo Domingo" and the timeless and beautiful "Linda Chicana", Mark has without a doubt secured a place in the still evolving world of Afro-Cuban Jazz. I mean, it seems like every time I pick up one of my old vinyl albums I see the name of Mark Levine somewhere on the liner notes or in the credits. I think that is fascinating.

Check out this list of names that he has recorded or played with: Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Moacir Santos, Bobby Hutcherson, Poncho Sanchez, Bobby Shew, Luis Gasca, Azteca and that is only on the Latin Side of things. If we were to mention all the Jazz talents that he has worked with we would need to pull up a chair and make ourselves comfortable for a while.

Not only would that list be a lengthy one, it would also be an amazing assembly of some of the top names in the Jazz business. I mean with the likes of Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Harold Land, and Houston Person, I guess that solidifies my point.

Although, Mark has worked or recorded with all of the above, he for one reason or another has never recorded much as a leader. I may be wrong about this but isn't "equality better than quantity?" I mean sometimes the best recordings by artists are the ones that are few and far between. Albums that Mark has released as a leader include "Keeper of the Flame by Que Calor", "One Notch Up", "Smiley and Me" and the creative and tasty "Up Till Now" which was recorded in 1977 and released on the Catalyst label. By the way, that album contains a very hip version of the tune "Ixtlan" which later became the gem "Shoshana".

With his new recording, "Hey it's Me" on the Left Coast Clave records, Mark has assembled a talented quartet of accomplished and respected musicians. Michael Spiro on Percussion, Paul Van Wageningen on Drums along with Peter Barshay on bass are the creators of the "Latin Tinge." Imagine your best pair of gloves and how they fit just right and how comfortable you feel wearing them, well these great players fit together just fine and then some.

Just listen to any tune on the disc and you know they are more than comfortable I would actually say, Cozy. Mark and company have selected 11 great Jazz standards for this new recording all with that "Latin Tinge." Classic material such as "Without a song", "Small Portion", "You & the Night and the Music", "Second Thoughts", "Jean Marie" and standards that take on some new life.

Listen to the Sonny Rollins "Airegin" featuring a Montuno groove. Two beautiful tunes that will have asking for more "Lilís Paradise" done in a Cha-Cha flavor and the gorgeous Danzon/Cha Cha beats of "Voce Nao Gosta De Mim", which was composed by noted vocalist Caetano Veloso. I dig the piano vamp in the center of this tune! Truly, a wonderful piece of music.

Well, as you can see I dig this recording. I am highly convinced that any lover of Latin Jazz, Straight-ahead Jazz or anyone that digs great music will. I must say that my opinion in this matter may be a little biased. I dig anything Mark Levine does. I really dig this new recording. I guess it was an old television commercial that said, "When so and so speaks people listen." Well, when Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge play, you need and will want to listen.

A review by:
Erik "Chico" Manqueros
Host & Producer
The Latin Style of Jazz ñ Radio Show
& Contributing Writer
Latin Style Magazine and Latinjazzclub.com