Mike Levine - Star Gazing (2017)

Based in the Sunshine State, Jazz pianist Mike Levine has developed a reputation as a solid player, producer, and composer on the Miami scene. With a career that stretches back to the early 80’s, the University of Miami alumnus made his record debut in 1981 as co-leader of The Ross-Levine Band, a project upon which Pat Metheny was a guest artist. The effort drew national attention and remained in the top ten of the AC-Jazz Chart for six weeks. The subsequent effort also faired well and paved the band’s way as an opening act for such highly regarded performers as Michael Franks, Gato Barbieri, and Dionne Warwick.
In the times since, Levine has enjoyed a variety of gigs and recordings from Mel Torme, The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Ed Calle, Michael Bolton, David Sanborn, Steve Oliver, Les DeMerle, Roberto Perrera, Billy Ross, Raul DiBlasio and John Secada to touring in Mexico, Austria, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Canada. His festival appearances have been several, The Montreal, Detroit, Syracuse, Aruba, Amelia Island and Berks. For 17 years, Mike also played in the house band for “Sabado Gigante”, a top TV Show seen around the world by millions as well as “Don Francisco Presenta”, a popular talk show. As a composer, his compositions have landed both in movies such as “Expendables” and “Admission” as well as TV shows including Star Search, George Lopez, Four Weddings, Coronation Street, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua both in the U.S. and Internationally.
“From The Heart”, Mikes debut CD, featured special guests Hiram Bullock and Ed Calle. This 2008 release landed Mike on the SmoothJazz.com Indie Chart for over forty weeks.
His second CD, “Thinking Of You”, was released March 12, 2012. Along with South Florida finest, Mikes special guests were Will Lee, Ed Calle and Billy Ross. With good airplay, the tune “Walkin Tall” landed on Billboards top 30 Jazz Tune for 5 weeks.

"Star Gazing" is comprised of 12 originals tracks plus a cover of Wes Montgomery's "Road Song". The overall sound combines Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Latin in a organic fusion. The band on "Star Gazing" includes, special guests Andy Snitzer on tenor sax, veteran bassist Will Lee and Ed Calle on soprano sax along with the hottest and finest musicians in the South Florida area.