Sam Levine | en

I grew up in the midwest as the son of a university professor. I went to Harvard College and then later via Woodstock to the University of Alaska for three years. Winding my way through the turbulent late 60′s and 70′s, I finished my education in applied music at Indiana University where I studied jazz with Dave Baker, flute with James Pellerite and saxophone with Eugene Rousseau. I added clarinet to my stable of instruments and studied studied traditional music theory and history. The biggest part of my training, however, has been in the studios and clubs of Nashville. I have worked consistently since I first came to town in 1976. By 1980 I was doing recording sessions on Music Row and in the early 90′s I began recording for a small label based here.

On any given day, I might be playing for a film soundtrack, flute for Mandisa, clarinet for Wynonna, penny whistle for Amy Grant or saxophone for Lynyrd Skynyrd. I have recently recorded for Vince Gill, Aaron Neville, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney. In my career I have played shows with Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Torme, Henry Mancini, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Reba McIntire, Michael McDonald, Al Jarreau, Liza Minnelli, Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Lynda Carter, Michael W. Smith and Larry Carlton.

As an artist, I have more than 16 artist recordings on three different labels (Greenhill Music, Village Square and Brentwood Jazz). I find the wordless voice of instrumental music brings a uniquely personal meaning to lyrics. I have tried to convey that in my recordings whether they are romantic love songs, oldies from the 50′s and 60′s or the timeless hymns of the church. I am an active member of Westminster Presbyterian church where I serve as a musician and elder. In addition to playing flute, pennywhistle or saxophone for worship, I am often asked to provide Celtic or Dixieland bands for services at my home church or other area churches. My participation and leadership at Westminster Presbyterian follows a life-long spiritual development that began with my parents marriage of Jewish and Christian traditions.

My two latest recordings, “Smooth Praise” and “Smooth Worship” are sax versions of Praise and Worship songs. Just prior to those two releases was an urban smooth jazz CD of well known R and B ballads from the 70′s and 80′s called “Sax in the City”.

I lead a band called “City Lights” that does wedding and business receptions. We do family and music industry events for clients who want a band that has style and creativity. The traditional jazz group, “Bourbon Street” and the contemporary jazz group, “Phatjaz“, are also active.

The wonderful talent pool of Nashville’s classical musicians makes it possible to contract chamber ensembles and even a full orchestra for recording sessions, wedding ceremonies or corporate events.

I love waterskiing and we have a nice long season here in middle Tennessee. I also love to downhill ski and hiking so I try to make at least one trip a year out west. In between I stay in shape by going to one the area YMCA‘s .