Josh Levine is a bassist, singer and composer born and raised in Manhattan. He attended the prestigious Stuyvesant High School and performed with the New York City High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Justin Dicioccio. Josh went on to study at Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music where he performed regularly in Cleveland with the artists Greg Bandy, Shirley Cook, Matt Ray, Ron Godale, Bobby Ferrazza and Neal Smith. After graduating with Bachelors degrees in Biology and Jazz Double Bass Performance in '96, Josh returned to Manhattan’s Upper West Side to perform and teach elementary school music.
Several years as the house bassist with the Cotton Club All-Stars under the direction of Eddie and Al Pasante gave Josh a firm foundation in swing.
As a member of Los Acustilocos, Josh was schooled in Venezuelan music by Roberto Fuentes, former director of Venezuela’s famed musical theater comedy group, La Alpargata Cantorum.
As the bassist for the Cuban son trio Son Amigos, Josh was tutored in Cuban music by Jose Luis Martinez, founding member of Cuba’s Los Van Van.
Josh is a teacher and accompanist for young people's programs at The Ballet Hispanico. He also teaches and performs in public and private schools, hospitals and shelters in NYC through the non-profits LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program) and HAI (Hospital Audiences Incorporated). In addition, Josh directs the Brooklyn One World Children's Chorus at The Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
Levine performs at restaurants, clubs, weddings, parties, special events and concerts. While his principal instrument is the double bass, he also sings and plays accordion, bass guitar, Venezuelan cuatro, guitar, and piano.
Discography (available on iTunes and CDbaby.com)
Chromachord Dream, Josh Levine, 2011
Los Hipsters No Bailan, Son de Brooklyn, 2009
Two Buskers’ Blues, Frank Schaap & Josh Levine, 2008
Le Demimonde, Angus Martin, 2008
Bossa Lunatica, Angus Martin, 2008
Josh Levine for Kids, Josh Levine, 2006
Pre’squile, 2005, Angus Martin
Frutas del Caney, Son Amigos, 2004
Los Acustilocos, Los Acustilocos, 2000