Cincinnati-based blues pianist/singer Ben Levin releases his fifth VizzTone album, a Christmas present wrapped in the blues: Ben Levin Presents A Holiday Blues Revue. For years, Levin has been inspired by classic holiday blues recordings from artists like Freddy King, Charles Brown, and Amos Milburn, among others. He recorded his first holiday-themed track in 2019, and has been building towards this album ever since.This album features many guest artists, and many different styles of blues.
As Ben puts it: “I am honored to have been able to feature so many great artists on this album, and they each contributed perfectly to these unique styles and sounds: Lil’ Ed showcases pure Chicago blues inspired by his uncle J.B. Hutto, Sonny Hill channels soul from the chitlin’ circuit, Candice Ivory highlights how to defy genres, blending blues and jazz, and Lil’ Jimmy Reed brings out the deep blues of Baton Rouge.”
Listen to the first single “Candy Cane,” infused with that gritty, soulful vibe you’d expect from Lil’ Ed’s slide guitar.
