For a little taste of New York City's East Village music scene in Sun Valley, Idaho, head to the Boiler Room to catch the soul and blues experience of Adam Levy and the Mint Imperials. The trio finds its way to the valley via Paul Tillotson, whose trio plays regularly at Sun Valley's Duchin room during the winter. Tillotson gave Levy his very first gig when he moved to Manhattan from the Bay Area with just $8 in his pocket and three phone numbers.
"I called Paul out of the blue because we had a friend in common," Levy said. "Right away he asked me to come play a gig. He is such a positive force for making stuff happen. That was 14 years ago, and I have been friends with him ever since."
Levy, a singer, songwriter and guitarist, has only recently come back from Japan after touring with Lisa Loeb, and has also toured with Tracy Chapman and Norah Jones. The Mint Imperials, bassist Andy Hess and drummer Tony Mason, are also well-known musicians. Hess was a member of Government Mule and played with John Schofield, and Mason, a New York City bassist, played with Charlie Hunter.
"We are a Memphis soul band but instead of Otis Redding there is a modern-day, post-Beatles singer-writer," Levy said. "We have a standing gig every Wednesday at Banjo Jim's in the East Village."
Levy put the band together three years ago to make his record "Washing Day." He decided to turn the "Washing Day" record release into yearlong celebration at Banjo Jim's. Levy organizes the evening and the trio performs at midnight after two other bands.
Levy teaches, freelances for Guitar Player magazine and runs Lost Wax Records, which he formed over 10 years ago to release his own records.
"We have great chemistry with lots to play," Levy said. "We will play songs from "Washing Day" and from a new untitled album."
Adam Levy and the Mint Imperials will play Friday, Jan, 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, at 9:30 p.m. after the comedy show. There is a $10 cover.
Sabina Dana Plasse: Splasse@mtexpress.com
Photo by Jonathan D. Holloway
New York City-based musician Adam Levy to play the Boiler Room with his band the Mint Imperials.
