miércoles, 19 de enero de 2011

Level 10



What's the meaning behind the band's name?
To me, the highest level of contentment in life occurs when wisdom and experience meet music and creativity. That is a Level 10 moment.

How did all this get started??
Levy DeAndrade
Piano and Keyboard:

One of the area’s most respected and sought after keyboard players, Levy has earned the admiration and respect of fans and peers alike for his talent and professionalism.  His artistry in blending Latin dance rhythm with soulful jazz styles have given his music an unforgettable trademark sound which has earned recognition by local and national and international jazz music experts.  He has been described by a fan as “one of a kind when it comes to piano jazz explorations, and his unique playing style is all his own.” His playing is a “lovely delight to savor and enjoy!”

Born on March 6, in Parana, Brazil, Levy’s first inspiration came when he was given a tape recorder and guitar for his 7th birthday.  His musical prodigy was realized when, in two months time, he was composing and performing on the instrument for his friends and family.  Within the next two years, he was performing on stages in his hometown for the public.  After being introduced to the piano by his instructors at school, Levy developed a love for the instrument and soon mastered the keys.  
 
After graduating from high school and receiving a scholarship and grant to study music in the US, Levy relocated to the states where he started his music career as a performer in San Francisco’s top jazz venues.

After a successful stint in California, Levy was invited to relocate to New York City to become a ‘first call’ studio musician for The Hit Factory.  There he composed, arranged and shared the stage with many musical greats.  Having enjoyed being in great demand for his recording sessions and live performances, Levy then decided to establish his own recording studio.  There he mastered the mechanics of the music business and engineered and produced albums for both clients and himself.

Levy relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2004.  Having founded a successful recording studio and producing several albums, Levy decided to dedicate his musical expertise to forming a band.  After four years of searching out local talent, he found not only the best players in their fields, but also the right chemistry to create a mature group of musicians dedicated to creating soul inspiring jazz music.


Levy’s group, named Level 10 Band, took the area by storm when after only a year together, they decimated the competition in a local radio station contest.  After winning the title of “Tampa Bay’s Best Smooth Jazz Band” by CBS Radio, the requests began pouring in for appearances and performances.  Since that time, Levy and Level 10 have performed for jazz festivals, city organizations, Carnival Cruise Lines, local jazz clubs, national and international radio stations, and have appeared on  FOX, ABC and CBS TV for interviews and live performances. Both Levy’s original compositions and new arrangements of popular songs have been leaders on the jazz charts on CD Baby, Rhapsody and iTunes.

In celebration of their rapid rise to acclaim as an award-winning, underground jazz band, Level 10 named their first album “Together.”  Released in 2009, the CD features original compositions by Levy as well as inspiring arrangements of popular tunes.  Levy’s music has developed and matured over the years and combined with the talent and determination of his band members, Level 10 has been and will continue to be a dominating force in the world of Jazz music.

What's the message to transmit with your music??
I want the listener to experience the intersection of musical talent with raw emotion. I believe that music is a powerful tool that can touch a person’s deepest spirit.

what’s your method at the time of writing a song??
I am usually inspired by a good groove. When I sit down at the keyboard, my mood at the time ends up as notes on a staff!

Who are your music influences??
Michael Camilo, Chick Corea, Dave weckl, Cesar Camargo, 

What plans do you guys have for the future??
Win a Grammy for best jazz band, be # 1 In Latin Jazz  on Billboard and making a good living doing  music

What has been the greatest day in the band?
Lancaster Jazz Festival in UK
Written by CME Artist, UK
 
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!

What has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show??
While in England for a Jazz Festival, we decided to call for pizza delivery. Only problem was, it was with a US cell phone number. They thought it was a prank, especially when we had no idea where to tell them to deliver the pizza!

If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?
Well, I’d definitely send the percussionist for help – they’re all usually pretty resourceful. I probably wouldn’t eat anyone; musicians don’t taste very good…

Wat are your hobbies?
Music, Soccer, Recording, woodwork, Playing with my kids, life with my wife.

What country you guys would love to play?
Japan, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Germany,

With what bands you guys would love to share stage??
Dave Weckl, Michael Camilo, Chick Corea

Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually?
Very happy and excited for the future.

Check out more: www.level10band.com

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