"Ike's music answers to a higher order where
originality is the sole determinant of success." -
Frank Rubolino, Cadence Magazine and One Final Note
Ike Levin has been playing reed instruments professionally
for over 25 years. A native of Chicago, Ike was an active
performer in the city's jazz, blues, and new music scene
before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. He studied
music at the Roosevelt University Conservatory of Music
and in the Jazz Music Studies program at the University
of Illinois at Chicago. While a student, Ike performed as
a regular member of the University Jazz Ensemble and the
Jazz Members Big Band comprised of many top Chicago area
jazz musicians performing original compositions. He studied
privately with legendary reed jazz master Joe Daley who
helped him establish his technique and neo-bop musical roots.
In addition, he studied with Fred Anderson, one of the co-founders
of the Chicago based Association For The Advancement of
Creative Music (AACM). Under the tutelage of Fred Anderson,
Ike begin to explore new musical frontiers of spontaneously
improvised, creative music. However, his true musical learning
came from listening to the many great jazz artists who came
through Chicago's jazz clubs, and his sitting in with Chicago
jazz artists in the many jam sessions that were held throughout
the city. He continues to draw upon his bebop linked foundations
as he pushes the boundaries of tonality and harmony, and
exploring the blending together of different musical forms
and genres.
A diverse range of musical influences are evident in his
approach to his instruments and improvisation. These influences
include John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordan, Eric
Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, and Thelonious Monk. Other important
musical influences include the work of such modern orchestral
composers as Bartok, Pendercki, and Boulez.
In addition, to Chicago and San Francisco, Ike has performed
in cities across the US and Canada including Cleveland,
Phoenix, Milwaukee, Detroit, New Orleans, St. Louis, and
Toronto. He has played with a host of internationally recognized
jazz artists. In addition to Joel Futterman, Ike has performed
with Von Freeman, Ira Sullivan, Robert Barry, Wilbur Campbell,
Gene Ammons, Ed Petersen, and Bay Area jazz stalwarts Robert
Porter, Yancy Taylor, and Smiley Winters.
Discography:
2006 Live at The Blue Monk, The Joel Futterman, Alvin Fielder, Ike Levin Trio, CLM-26-009
2006 Enigma, The Joel Futterman /Ike Levin Duo, CLM
2004 Resolving Doors, The Joel Futterman, Alvin Fielder, Ike Levin Trio CLM-26-007
LifeLine,
The Joel Futterman/Ike Levin Trio with Cash Killian, IML
26-004
The Present Gift, The Joel Futterman/Ike Levin Duo,
IML, 26-003
InterView, The Joel Futterman/Ike Levin Trio with Randall
Hunt, IML, 26-001
Spherical Dance, The Ike Levin Quartet, IML 26-002
Representative Media Coverage:
"He blows with conviction, exuding long lines of mournful
passion that overflow with dynamic tension" Frank Rubolino,
Cadence
"Levin's tenor … can scorch your ears…"
Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation
"Levin demonstrates a robust tone complete with
soulful lines and shrewd utilization of space and chromatic
scales…" Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz
"Ike is a tenor man with broad shoulders, but a
sensitive approach…" Alan Blum. Chicago Reader
"Lyrical and powerful with fresh ideas…"
Mandy Lewis, Chicago Jazz Scene
"Saxophonist Ike Levin possesses a strong, solid
tone that owes as much to Warne Marsh as to John Coltrane…"
Scott Hreha, One Final Note
