Josh Levine

Josh Levine is a bassist, singer and composer born and raised in Manhattan. Josh graduated from Stuyvesant High School, played for The All City High School Jazz Ensemble and was awarded dual Bachelors degrees in Biology and Jazz Double Bass Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.

Several years as the house bassist with the Cotton Club All-Stars under the direction of Eddie and Al Pasante gave Josh a firm foundation in swing.

As a member of Los Acustilocos, Josh was schooled in Venezuelan music by Roberto Fuentes, formerly the director the acclaimed Venezuelan musical theater comedy group La Alpargata Cantorum.

As the bassist for the Cuban son trio Son Amigos, Josh was tutored in Cuban music by José Luis Martínez, a founding member of Cuba’s Los Van Van.

Josh maintains an enduring partnership with veteran blues and ragtime guitarist Frank Schaap, who is portrayed by Steve Earle on the HBO series Tremé.

Josh is a regular teacher for the Preschool Summer Camp at The Ballet Hispanico. He also teaches and performs in public and private schools, hospitals and shelters in NYC through the non-profits LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program) and HAI (Healing Arts Initiative). In addition, Josh co-directs the middle school latin jazz ensemble at Mott Hall Charter School in the Bronx.

Josh is the house bassist for the internationally acclaimed bilingual children’s theater company SEA (Society for the Educational Arts) based on the Lower East Side of Manhattan under the direction of Manuel Moran.

Levine performs regularly at restaurants, clubs, weddings, parties, special events and concerts. While his principal instrument is the double bass, he also sings and plays accordion (piano and diatonic), bass guitar, Venezuelan cuatro, guitar, and piano.

Discography (available on iTunes and CDbaby.com):

Chromachord Dream, Josh Levine, 2011

Los Hipsters No Bailan, Son de Brooklyn, 2009

Two Buskers’ Blues, Frank Schaap & Josh Levine, 2008

Le Demimonde, Angus Martin, 2008

Bossa Lunatica, Angus Martin, 2008

Josh Levine for Kids, Josh Levine, 2006

Pre’squile, 2005, Angus Martin

Frutas del Caney, Son Amigos, 2004

Los Acustilocos, Los Acustilocos, 2000

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