Adam LEvy - town & Country

Adam Levy

Town & Country
Lost Wax Records; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Adam Levy brings us his latest album released on his very own record label Lost Wax Records. Town & Country is an adventurous trip highlighted by sophisticated blues and jazz lead by Adam Levy on guitar, Larry Goldings on organ and Matt Chamberlain on drums. Levy has had quite a career up until now and besides playing and songwriting with names like Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman, the artist is also a journalist and author which makes him and his style a rich creative endeavor from start to finish.

The entire album is instrumental, really leaving both the journey and the destination up to the listener. More literally, each song on the album is titled with a literal locale. The first track on the album, is titled “Memphis, Tennessee” and is just dripping with southern jazz glory. From the beginning, the upbeat percussion draws you in and compelling guitar chords just make you want to get up and dance. The slow infusion of the wavering organ also adds that authentic jazz-blues persona that seals the deal.

"I Love Paris" combines jazz guitar, organ, and drums to bring you a tranquil yet hip concoction of sounds. Even sitting down you are bound to start  shaking a bit. The muscles in your arms and legs just start moving in the best way possible. You have been warned so don't put this on if you work in an office with a crappy boss.

“Streets of Baltimore” follows a bit on the same scene yet is a little more mellow, a bit more drowsy and seems to be the perfect soundtrack for sitting out on the porch waiting for the day to pass away. If this track was syrup, than “Montague St.” is even more slowed down to the consistency of molasses. This one just puts you to sleep with good dreams after the day has finally passed.

Overall, the music within Town & Country is quite jazz and blues inspired, but it has an ambitious world-view to it that makes the album a very sophisticated listen. The album is of the finest recording quality and each song has its very own story to tell making it a pleasant and multifarious listen.

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