Notes
10th Anniversary re-issue of this release! 'Funky, bluesy, hot, wild - call it whatever you like! Ron Levy's music will keep you breathless. His subtitle 'Wild Kingdom' is absolutely justified. The album 'Live' was recorded more or less by chance - no planning, no arrangements, just the wild music of the trio, with a remarkable result.' Jurgen Wolf - Int'l Archive of jazz Organ 'Heavy Hammond work from Ron Levy -- one of America's best recent groovers on the organ, and a player who's firmly dedicated to a classic sound! Levy plays in territory that includes some of the more recent 'jamband' styles of funk, but he's also got an ear for the styles of the masters -- like Jack McDuff and Jimmy McGriff -- and as you'll hear on this tasty live set, he definitely knows his way around the keyboard of the B-3! Tracks are long, with plenty of room for grooving -- and titles include 'Sons Of Abraham', 'Blues For BB', 'Like Like Dope', 'Gaucha Girl', 'Confusions', and 'Funky Monkey Boogaloo'.' Dusty Groove newsletter 'Ron Levy is one of those artists who once you've heard him, you will remember the experience. It is a complete package. A great organ trio sound, great solos and insanely good writing.' Karl Denson - Blue Note recording artist of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, leader of 'The Greyboy Allstars' and also featured on several RLWK albums. On this 'live' disc recorded at Boulder CO's Mountain Sun Brewery, Ron Levy's Wild Kingdom masterfully explores the vintage sounds of a killer tight B-3 organ trio with a big twist of the new soul-funky-groove vibe that is proving to be irresistible among those in the know. Everyone from college students to traditional blues and jazz fans are testifying to the electric raw power of a 'live' RLWK jam. A hip sound that is capable of 'blending jazz, blues, hip-hop, Latin and even gospel music in ways that blow apart the stylistic boxes imposed upon music in America today' Ken Franckling (UPI). Ron Levy's seminal explosive grooves can be heard at any of his 200+ tour dates a year all across the US and have been captured previously on three highly acclaimed Cds, including 'Zim Zam Zoom' (**** Downbeat), 'B-3 Blues & Grooves' ( **** ½ All Music Guide) and 'GreaZe is What's Good' . On this recording, they kick hard funky live ambient grooves propelled by Joe Russo on drums & John Trama on guitar and of course, Levy's HUGE Hammond organ w/ 2 Leslie speakers constantly singin', swingin' & screamin away! (**** Jazziz). Lev's notes: This CD was originally recorded on a Sony Walkman cassette recorder by our fine guitarist John Trama. While being extensively taped by many 'tapers' with sophisticated recording devices on tour, we felt this tape best represented the real true 'on stage' feel of RLWK. One stereo mic was placed on top of the Hammond. The musicians and instruments were all equidistant. There were no monitors, no PA, just us and our instruments jamming in a cozy hip club. The Mountain Sun Brewery was the first club we played in Boulder CO the year before and a bunch of our friends and fans packed us out again and made us feel right at home immediately. This recording was not a planned recording session and developed organically as the night grew. All the songs are stretched out, with extended solos and totally spontaneous arrangements. We even had a former 'Fat Mama' band mate of drummer Joe Russo, Moogologist Eric Deustch sit in for some serious wildness on 'Confusions'. As you can hear for yourself we all had a ball and wanted to share this music and magical night with all of you. Thanks & best to all, RL.
