Mara Levi Wing Reviews

CD Review "Life's A Ball"  Mara Levi  Review by Len Rogers      Everyone knows that first impressions are an important promotional point. My first impression of Mara Levi's "Life's A Ball" was to hit replay. A surprising, catchy and memorable glance into the talents of Mara Levi bring a strong desire for more. Splashy and vivid tunes combine with lyrics which range in scope from introspective to political folk inspired and every place in between. Excellent arrangement, accompaniment, and

production make for a complete package. Artist Levi, a music teacher with extensive musical training and obvious vast talent, bring varied styles and musical visions to light. A truly engaging listen, "Life's A Ball" is compelling, familiar, and takes residence as a welcome classic. Self described as "smart pop" the definition from Mara's website offers clear insight: 
"Smart Pop: n. New pop music that is catchy and complex, forward-thinking and familiar, accessible and meaningful."

          Mara Levi provides a generous thirteen tracks on "Life's A Ball". Levi offers a wide range of topical subject and style in her music. Pop, rock, folk, political folk, all are included. Even a little foot tapping country style. Mara weaves her messages in musical quilts of her warm style and encompassing subject. Examination of relationships, life, growth, love-lost, and some general fun are all a part of Levi's inclusive style. Several influences are mentioned on Mara's website including; Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette , and Aimee Mann. I would add the Beatles especially on track 3, "Hey Mister". Consistent throughout "Life's A Ball" is a fresh familiarity which make you comfortable while Mara Levi's talents create a fan. 

      "Life's A Ball" opens with strength, "In My Head" a song about the break up of Mara Levi's college band, Kid Sampson. However, the song also takes on amazing potential as a Morrisette influenced examination of a break-up. Up tempo and retrospective style combined with pop-rock basics bring life to an inspiring sound with inclusive and familiar message. Excellent hooks make "In My Head" a catchy and unforgettable success. Track three, "Hey Mister" to me seems early  Beatles-esque with an infectious melody and lyrics which linger like the afterglow of memorable experience. On this song Levi shows her prowess as an arranger with multi-level vocal and instrumental back up voices. Literally showing her much-talented strengths by playing riffs on guitar, bass guitar, piano and trumpet. Mara also exhibits a unique ability for versatility in approach and style as demonstrated on the closing track, "I've Arrived". As commemoration of her work the basic background of the song is comprised of pieces of the rest of the songs. This brings a strong close to the CD. As the "pieces" bring back to memory brief experiences contained throughout "Life's A Ball". A fitting and highly-flavored piece which completes the musical experience Levi offers bringing it all together. And ever so pleasantly.

      Amherst can consider itself lucky and fortunate to have such a talent call the area home. Thanks to "Life's A Ball" we may all now enjoy the talents of Mara Levi. And indeed look forward to the future. One which is brighter for having Levi's music included. Strong vocal ability and deep musical understanding create a winning combination and a very pleasant experience on "Life's A Ball". Learn more about Mara, her performance schedule and how to get your copy of "Life's A Ball" at the Mara Levi website.

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