CD and ARTIST REVIEW Mara Levine
Mbo
Some people are born with a
Golden Voice. Mar
Mara Levine
By Jeannie Holton
Host of The Acoustic Peace Club on WMNF, Tampa 88.5 FM
“Mara, I think you are one of the best singers of your genera-
So begins a long list of accolades for Mara Levine. Building on
the success of “Mara’s Gems”, her 2009 debut, “Jewels and Har-
experience and some of life’s journeys and passages. The change
of seasons, with spring inevitably turning towards winter, mirrors
-
that will endure and on themes of hopefulness, rebirth, the support
of friends and partners who stand by us, the joy of making
music together, and the healing power of music to soothe and keep
us connected.
Folksinger and jewelry designer, Mara Levine, has been creat-
folk songs for many years and singing professionally as a member of
various ensembles and as a hired harmony vocalist since 2002. Folk
DJ Jim Marino has referred to her as “golden-voiced” while Miami
Mara Levine’s CD “Jewels and Harmony” features 15 hand-
life’s journeys and passages.
DJ, Michael Stock, calls her voice “full, rich and soothing”.
Mara was nominated by Ron Olesko in 2009 for the Suzi Wollenberg
Folk DJ Showcase at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance
(NERFA) Conference.
As I have noted in the liner notes for Mara’s second CD, Jewels
and Harmony “From the moment the music begins, it is clear that
this album is something special. Every note, instrument and harmony
is perfectly placed. She explores each song, its intent and intona-
touch your senses and send you on a musical journey through the
I love all of these songs - the harmonies are wonderful, and
-
of Michael Smith’s “The Dutchman” brought tears to my eyes and I
it did when harmonizing with Mara on this song. Instead of hearing
between the elderly Dutch couple as if in their own words.
-
ment for an outcome that impressed the author, himself.
She covers two Paul Simon songs: “Leaves That Are Green”
Jeannie Holton, hosting The Acoustic Peace Club on WMNF,
Tampa 88.5 FM.
10 • JULY/AUGUST 813.682.9364 FLORIDA WOMEN MAGAZINE