April 1998

Rob Levit Group
East River View
Whirlybird

By Nancy Ann Lee

The Rob Levit Group makes an auspicious label debut with ten genre-blending originals featuring cultivated talents of guitarist-leader Levit, saxophonist Chris Cheek, drummer/percussionist John Mettam, and bassist Stephan Crump. Formed in 1992, this venturesome crew performs a range of fresh tunes, combining straightahead stylings with intelligent harmonic and rhythmic explorations. Drawn from the broadest palette, multi-thematic arrangements such as the Mingus tribute, "Last Stop Cuernavaca," and the title tune, confirm the band's originality.