This morning, Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, co-founder of Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, and ArtistWorks harmonica instructor, Howard Levy released his latest record as a solo artist or bandleader and the 4th installment in his “From the Vaults” series entitled, From the Vaults, Vol. 4: Duets with Friends.

Described by Howard as the “crowning jewel” of his archive of recorded music, Duets with Friends shines a light on the power of spontaneous creativity and the collaboration of brilliant musical minds.

By joining forces with some of Chicago’s greatest musicians, including Joe Rendon on congas, Willy Schwarz on tabla and mridangam, Kelly Sill on upright bass, and Anthony Molinaro on piano, Howard was able to create a grooving exploration of improvisation hybridizing elements from Latin, Indian, and Jazz musical styles.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play the harmonica from a master musician like Howard Levy? Try some free online harmonica lessons now!

“When you team up with great musicians, you usually end up with music that is far beyond your expectations, and that’s the case here,” Howard explains. “One of the many benefits of playing with your friends is that you know each other so well that words are not necessary—music is more than enough. I believe that this duets album contains some of the very best music that I have ever recorded.”

Captured while on a break from touring during his first year with Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Howard tracked a bulk of the records on Duets with Friends during a two-day studio session in December of 1990. Bursting with musical energy, the album documents spontaneous duets, with each guest musician guiding Howard into a different, unique musical territory.

“Spontaneous, exciting, interactive, and elaborate improvised compositions are what we are talking about here,” Howard explains. “And, fun fact, we headed into the studio with no planning. We didn’t rehearse, barely discussed anything, and wore no headphones. I’ve waited over 30 years to release this project, and I’m excited for the world to hear it.”

To download From the Vaults, Vol. 4: Duets with Friends, head to Howard’s website here or listen on any of your favorite streaming platforms.

LEARN MORE:

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the harmonica? Through our comprehensive harmonica lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn directly from master harmonica player Howard Levy, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Howard’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner harmonica to advanced performance techniques, improvisation methods, music theory, and tunes. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as harmonica players and musicians!

Try out some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

READ MORE:

Try Our FREE Downloadable Practice Packets!

ArtistWorks Music Series Podcast—“The Musical Levy Family”: Howard Interviews His Parents

Harmonica Lesson: How to Hold the Harmonica with Howard Levy