Barry Levenson's debut CD, Heart to Hand, is one of the year’s best blues releases. The CD features the Great guitar work of Barry along with a bevy of blues greats.   Heart to Hand is a very emotional piece of work by one of Americas greatest blues musicians. Many of the songs are tributes to blues legends gone by that have been an influence in
Barry's musical life.

This is not a guitar player whaling away with 15 note/second speed. This is a seasoned veteran creating music that would make any bluesman (woman) jealous! Excellent horns ; great rhythm section; bluesin' piano and B~3 organ! There are also great guest performances such as the superb vocals of Mary Williams and Finis Tasby along with the vocal and harp styles of Johnny Dyer.  This is one fine CD! Run to CDNOW and order this one!  NOW!

Well on with the show!

Barry opens the CD with two songs entitled Cobra Days/Blue Tears (for Danny Gatton). The song starts off in a very upbeat Chicago style blues then segues into a slow, mournful, piece of pure listening pleasure!

Mary Williams steps up to the mic to let us know if you buy this CD, "For your little bit of money you get a Whole Lot of Blues"!

Oh, I feel as though I'm Slippin' Down. Maybe Finis Tasby and Barry can turn my feet around!

Earl's Ride is Barry's tribute to Bob Fouts. This is one swingin' instrumental. The guitar break of classic riffs is awesome and I just love the sax and piano!

I wind up this page with Johnny Dyer on the harp and vocals.  Unfortunately for him he is also on the Wrong Side of the Blues!

That's not all Barry has for you on this CD though! I had a hard time deciding on which songs to put on here! There is so much great music on Heart to Hand that it will go from Hand to CD Player and remain there!

Christopher Francis
Blue Monday