The Howard Levy 4

Sponsored by US Foods

About:  The Howard Levy 4 is a dynamic, multi-styled band hailing from Chicago, led by Grammy-Award winning diatonic harmonica master, pianist and composer Howard Levy. Joining him are the incredibly virtuosic guitarist Chris Siebold, the outstanding upright and electric bassist Joshua Ramos, and the masterful Brazilian drummer Luiz Ewerling. This powerhouse ensemble delivers pure musical magic in a range of styles that includes Jazz, Latin, World Music, and Blues. Besides several distinctively reworked American and Brazilian tunes, the band has an astonishingly diverse repertoire of original compositions that combine and blend many cultures, rhythms and genres, creating a sonic experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
A prolific recording artist, Howard has released 17 albums under his own name and appeared on hundreds more. He is a founding member of Bela Fleck and The Flecktones and has performed and recorded with an incredibly diverse range of artists including Kenny Loggins, Paquito D’Rivera, Donald Fagen, and Kurt Elling. The revolutionary technique that he developed on the diatonic harmonica transformed it into a fully chromatic instrument for the first time, opening up possibilities for limitless musical exploration while still retaining the cry of the Blues.
Sounding like no other on stage, Howard’s unparalleled harmonica playing and virtuosic, lyrical pianism creates a 1-2 punch, effortlessly alternating between instruments and sometimes blending the two in wild and unexpected ways. The Chicago Tribune says, “As Art Tatum was to the piano, so is Levy to the harmonica: a hyper-virtuoso whose feats can be admired and studied but never really replicated.” And Jazz Times notes, “Although he cites McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock as influences, Levy the pianist has a sunnier, more ebullient style than either, enlivened by an unfailing upward momentum…”
Chris, house guitarist for A Prairie Home Companion, has recorded and toured with some of Chicago’s most eclectic Jazz and fusion groups; Joshua, who played five years with jazz legend Ramsey Lewis, is one of the industry’s most in-demand bassists; Luiz, whose Brazilian roots infuse the ensemble with rhythmic and compositional richness, adds profound depth to the group’s sound.
The Howard Levy 4’s live performances are a feast for the intellect and the senses, brimming with unbridled energy and artistic brilliance. Their EP, “Live from Chicago”, showcases their extraordinary ability to transcend musical genres and captivate audiences. Experience the artistry of The Howard Levy 4, where every concert is a journey through boundless landscapes of musical expression.