StoneWall Society  GLBT Music Artists  Levi Kreis Wing CD Review

LEVI KREIS:  "Imagine Paradise" CD Review  By Len Rogers      For dance and Kreis' fans alike, the paradise is not imagined on "Imagine Paradise", it is delivered. Showcasing Levi's vocal, lyrical, and musical talents would be the easy and obvious part. However, "Imagine Paradise" showcases and shares all those talents and a deeper sharing of what musically inspires and attracts  Levi Kreis. The music of "Imagine Paradise", is the way Levi shares his love and appreciation of 70's & 80's R&B / dance music.  This is a 'whole body' experience. Para-phrasing a line of  70's dance diva Lolleta Holloway is appropriate; Levi is gonna move you, "From your head down to the tip of your toes!"

      This is a generous sharing too. Twelve tracks of  'classic Levi Kreis' doing what he does best. Draw you into his music, make you a part of it, and leave you eager for more. Track after track, Levi does just that, delivers. Bringing energy, emotion, soul, a bit of a jazzy feel and even some scatting to further enhance Kreis' empowered, and soulful vocals. Without a doubt, Levi brings energy and the love to "Imagine Paradise". 

     Love is making that much more of a sweet exhortation for Kreis as "Imagine Paradise" is a fan funded project. Of that Levi shares in the liner notes: "I had fallen out of love with making music. Because of you, (the backers),  I feel in love again. This is the first time I've had the financial and creative support to make an album where the sound wasn't an 'economical' choice with disheartening compromises." This exhilarating pop album, brings Levi Kreis to a new plateau backed by the sensibilities of R&B and Dance music stemming from both the black and gay communities in the 1970s. Further endearing the experience to listener and artist, each song is inspired by by stories shared with Levi by his CD backers. Needless to say "Imagine Paradise" is definitely connected!

     Levi Kreis brings a wide sampling of his abilities and styles to the listener in "Imagine Paradise". Ranging from more intense and  emotional songs like "Timeless" which brings you in and cradles you with warmth. While "Will I" and "What Love Is" allow for a much appreciated breathe from the higher energy and time to enjoy the pure pleasure of a Levi serenade. For me "Anyway You Wanna" brought a vibrant sensuality to Levi's delivery, adding a sultry depth and extending flavor. And as for energy, lots of 'just try to sit still' moments. So many motivations and energies are possible. From the funky edginess, lyric depth and backside movin' of "Deeper Love" to the energy  and think dynamics of "Love Revolution featuring Qboy", awesomeness continues. Qboy brings some perfect flavor to "Love Revolution" while Kreis slips in some deep message. 

     Powerfully nostalgic and anthem like, "Taking Back My Boogie" gets your full attention. Invoking visions of multi-colored dance floors, flashing ceiling lights, and a happy pulsating crowd. Now that the energy has you it becomes obvious there is a strong message of ownership here too. Nicely done!. I would truly be remiss in not mentioning the powerful duet with Sam Harris, "It Ain't Over". A perfect match of vocal prowess, energy, and direction. Closing "Imagine Paradise" with "Let It Go" is purely in form with what Kreis has delivered throughout the entire energized yet thoughtful release. A warm musical embrace that lingers like the melodies and lyrics of "Imagine Paradise."   

For all information about Levi Kreis, and to get your own copy of  "Imagine Paradise",  check out Levi's website.

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