New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Rick Gomes PR) The debut album from singer/songwriter Jodie Levinson, "In the City," is a collection of up-tempo blues-and-jazz influenced pop songs inspired by the emotional struggles of city living. Produced and co-written by Lisa Ratner (Barbra Streisand,
Vanessa Williams, Dolly Parton), the album was recorded at Fastrax Studios in Westchester, NY and is scheduled for release on May 10, 2011 on East West Music/Fastrax Studios Inc.
"In the City" is bursting with an eclectic array of musical genres. Jodieos fluency in French accentuates the provocative question in the Cajun-influenced "Quand Va Toil Arriver (When Will He Come)," while the Erykah Badu-esque "Lazy Sunday" (featuring Shellz) takes its cues from Jodieos appreciation of smooth R&B. Her passion for music by singer/songwriters, including Carole King and Paul Simon, shines through on the introspective "Matter of Taste" (featuring Zack Schwartz) and the poetic "Books, Tea" both co-written by Zack. On "In the City" and "You Make Me Smile" Jodieos infectious voice blends beautifully with the jazz-influenced melodies. While on "Like the Rain" Jodie pours herself into the power-ballad and then shows her humorous side on the catchy, up-tempo pop-driven "Grass Ainot Green."
"I listened to a few of Jodie Levinsonos songs and quickly realized that I was sitting with a very talented and gifted young songwriter" said Lisa. "Being the pop queen that I am, I encouraged Jodie to simplify her lyrics and soon, we both were collaborating on the songs that would later become the album In the City."
Jodie began her music career at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York by singing and musically directing the all female a cappella group, The Skidmore Accents, and forming her first band, Grace Over Glass. The group came out with an EP produced in the basement of her music professor, John Nazarenko. Shortly following that recording, Jodie met Zack and collaborated with him on several songs, three of which are featured on "In the City."
After college, Jodie met Producer Matt Pendergrast (song remixer for artists including Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears & Ciara) and together, they recorded Levinsonos first single, "Matter of Taste" featuring Zack on guitar. Soon after this professional relationship, Jodie began working with Lisa. After nearly a year of working as a lyricist, Lisa proposed an idea to Jodie that the two work together and create an album. "In the City" features Jodie on keyboards and singing all lead and background vocals. Lisa orchestrates and plays the majority of the eclectic instrumentation with the exception of acoustic and electric guitar, recorded live by Zack.
For performance dates and more information, please go to www.jodielevinson.com.
The album release party for "In the City" will be held May 10th at the Bubble Lounge, 228 W. Broadway, NYC, 8PM.
