The Howard Levy 4

Howard Levy is an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica, a superb pianist, innovative composer, recording artist, bandleader, teacher, and producer.  In 1970 at the age of 19, he discovered how to play the diatonic harmonica as a fully chromatic instrument by developing techniques on it that had never existed before.  This enabled Howard to take the harmonica out of its usual role as a folk and blues instrument, and into the worlds of jazz, classical, Middle Eastern music, and more.  

At home in many musical styles, the 2x Grammy Award-winner (Pop Music Performance and Instrumental Composition with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones) is a favorite with audiences worldwide and a recording artist sought after by Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Paquito D’Rivera, Styx, Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, and many others.  Howard has appeared on hundreds of albums and several movie soundtracks, most prominently on A Family Thing with Robert Duval and James Earl Jones.  

His solo CD Alone and Together (Balkan Samba Records) and his trio CD Tonight and Tomorrow (Chicago Sessions) both received 4-star reviews in DownBeat.  Howard also released a classical CD featuring his Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica and Orchestra – the first true concerto composed for diatonic harmonica.  

Some of Chicago’s finest round out the band: 

CHRIS SIEBOLD, house guitarist for 5 years on A Prairie Home Companion, is a member of internationally renowned fusion band Kick the Cat, and has played with many notable musicians around the world.  He brings intensity, soul and his incredible technique to any style of music.  

JOSH RAMOS, virtuosic and versatile bassist, is equally at home on upright and electric.  For the past 5 years, he has been Ramsey Lewis’ bass player, and he has been the bassist for CALJE, Chicago’s premier modern Latin/jazz ensemble.  

LUIZ EWERLING, renowned drummer/composer, is one of the top Brazilian drummers living in the US.  He contributes rhythmic depth and passion to whatever music he plays.  

The band performs original compositions by Howard, Chris, and Luiz.  The repertoire features music from Howard and Chris’ album “Art + Adrenaline”, and music from Luiz’s album “Our Earth”.  The styles range from jazz, Brazilian, Latin, and world music, to blues and more.  Howard plays equal amounts of harmonica and piano (sometimes together!), and the band creates a volatile mix of styles with hot, soulful playing and deep grooves.  

So…expect the unexpected.