When Levi Kreis’ publicist emailed me urging me to take a listen to his third album Where I Belong, she described him as “Paolo Nutini meets James Morrison.”
The thing is, I’m a huge fan of both those singers. I’ve seen them both perform live – incredibly well, I may add. So, while I was intrigued, I was also highly skeptical.
But Kreis’ smooth as silk voice managed to seduce me within minutes. It’s adult contemporary to be sure, but there’s a sultriness and strength to his vocals that begs you to pay attention. While songs like Gonna Be Alright have clear pop sensibilities, Stained Glass Window has a Southern Baptist Hallelujah feel to it, clearly revealing this boy’s undeniable Gospel roots. Born and raised in Tennessee, this Harry Connick Jr. doppelganger is right in his element in Nothing At All.
Where I Belong is a solid album, an effort that made Heidi Weiss of The Chicago Sun-Times write:”Such galvanic talent that you know he will not be denied.” Lou Brutus of XM Radio said that “to watch Levi play the piano is like watching somebody speaking in tongues.”
In addition to his singing/songwriting career, Kreis also won a 2010 Tony Award for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet.
The great thing about his upcoming appearance at Le Piano Rouge in Old Montreal on November 15 is that local audiences will have an opportunity to see him perform in a very intimate setting. The venue is ideally suited for intimate performances, ultimately showcasing a singer’s voice.
Aside from his abundant talent, something else I appreciate and admire about Kreis is how true he is to himself. He’s such a stunningly good looking man, it would be easy for him to be vague about his sexuality and capitalize on all the female attention, but unlike many other ambiguously gay artists, he’s been candid and honest. In the May 2010 edition of The Rage Monthly, a San Diego gay lifestyle magazine, Kreis answered questions from author Bill Biss about coming out.
"To watch Levi play the piano is like watching somebody speaking in tongues.” - Lou Brutus of XM Radio
"I think it was the first of many moves toward me dispelling what I call the illusion of limitation. To think that opportunities become limited because of anything such as sexuality, age, race, etc, is to not have faith in the absolute support the universe has in our creative expression. “
Levi Kreis performs at Le Piano Rouge Lounge (22 St. Paul E.) on November 15.
