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Adam Levy

Washing Day

(Lost Wax Music; US: 14 Aug 2007; UK: 14 Aug 2007)

In this age of fast licks, Adam Levy does things differently. He plays unhurried, tasty guitar riffs. Levy’s the musical equivalent of eggs, bacon and toast done just right: simple, nutritious, a little greasy, but delectable. There’s nothing real flashy here on his latest disc, but there’s always something good going on. Levy, best known as the featured guitarist in Norah Jones’ Handsome Band, strums his electric instrument so that the notes shimmer and plucks his acoustic one with simple, elegant movements. His self-penned songs are unpretentious and smart. His voice rings clear and steady. Backed by Andy Hess on Fender bass and Tony Mason on drums, the disc offers a quiet release that swings. While there is a bit of sameness to the compositions, taken as a whole they create a pleasant Sunday afternoon mood and individually they each have their own merits. There is a subtle quirkiness to the music which rewards repeated listening.

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Steven Horowitz has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa, where he continues to teach a three-credit online course on "Rock and Roll in America". He has written for many different popular and academic publications including American Music, Paste and the Icon. Horowitz is a firm believer in Paul Goodman's neofunctional perspective on culture and that Sam Cooke was right, a change is gonna come.


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Adam Levy - Washing Day with Amber Rubarth
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