Recap: Levin Brothers Make Return Visit to Caffe Lena 5.28.26

June 2, 2026

2–3 minutes

The Levin Brothers core band consists of brothers Pete(keyboards), Tony (electric bass, upright bass) and Jeff Siegel (drum kit, percussion). The 4th member is a rotating member that maybe one of many veteran musicians, that have played with one of the brothers or bother through the years. This year, the band is touring with Toronto based saxophonist Pat Labarbera. This will be a return visit for them all.

A crowd pleasing mix of originals, pop covers & prog rock covers over 2 sets entertained the full house.

The band opened with 2 originals from their latest album, “Fade to Blue”. Opening with “Out of Darkness” are mysterious notes that quickly transitioned to a happy dance, like an emergence from a dark cave to bright sunlight. The Yamaha electronic saxophone was used by Pat instead of the flute that was on the original recording. Followed by “Fade to Blue”.

Steely Dan’s chestnut “Aja” was featured next, including a challenging drum solo that was performed by the Legendary Steve Gadd. Jeff Siegel was more than up for the task. The Simon & Garfunkel classic round “Scarborough Fair” was next. LaBarbara performed again on the Yamaha including playing on the lower end of the instrument’s range.

Pat LaBarbara introduced a contrafact of you “Came Out of A Dream”. The set ended with Jeff Siegel’s “Kakalimbe”.

2nd set

A cover of band friend fusion drummer/producer extraordinare Lenny White ‘s journey through Halloween “Wolf’s Bane”. Pat LaBarbara played a wild solo that went along with the ghoulish playing of the rest of the band. Nevertheless the number was swinging.

The tender often covered Jimi Hendrix ballad “Little Wing’ followed with a long tender piano intro by Pete, Tony following through with the same emotion.

Tony’s old but frequently renamed composition Laid Back Lee followed with a jazz like interpretation. The piece has appeared arranged as a prog rock piece on Pete’s solo work.

Tony has had a long association with King Crimson(1981). They pulled “Starless & Bible Black” out of the King Crimson catalog to give their own interpretation. Pat playing a mournful saxophone that changed into a boplike jam with the band before returning to the theme.

A great 50s jazz style composition which was part of the original concept of the band closed the regular set “Gimme Some Scratch”, the bop musician slang for bread or pay.

The encore brought us back to hope and inspiration with the classic Paul Winter Consort composition “Icarus”.

The audience went home satisfying the need for live music and the hope that comes with it. This performance was part of the Peak Jazz series sponsored by Joseph and Joann Conlon .