Yosef Gutman Levitt: “The World And Its People” (2024) CD Review

Yosef Gutman Levitt is a bass player and composer from South Africa who studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the late 1990s, then began performing in New York, and now is based in Jerusalem. He didn’t release his first album until 2019, but in the short time since then has released another nine, including collaborations. His new album, The World And Its People, features some original compositions by Yosef Gutman Levitt and Gilad Ronen. Yosef Gutman Levitt plays upright and acoustic bass on these tracks, and is joined by Yoed Nir on cello, Omri Mor on piano, and Tal Yahalom on guitar.

The album’s opening track, “Awakening,” eases in, beginning with piano, softly drawing us in. It does feel like those first moments of the day, assuming an alarm clock doesn’t propel you into hasty action, when only a little light comes in and sleep still has a slight hold. It is gentle, relaxed. And then, as the day begins, the other instruments come in, and it builds into a beautiful and joyful piece. You can hear that moment when the sun’s rays first hit you. When I hear music like this, I wish my days could begin this way. It is like the day welcomes us, and we welcome the day. There is something timeless about this track. That is followed by “My Soul Thirsts,” which has its own beauty, though with perhaps a more somber, contemplative feel to it. Each of the instruments has its own voice, its own moments to offer that voice up in hope. I am particularly moved by the cello work on this track.

There is something light, almost playful as “Shifting Sky” begins. It isn’t long before there is an excitement about this music, a sense of anticipation, as if looking for the arrival of something or someone. There is an interesting energy to this track, and also moments that are soothing. It is one of my personal favorites. As “The World And Its People,” the album’s title track, opens, there is almost something hesitant about it, in the guitar work, the way pauses are built into that its structure, as if there are things that are left unsaid, or as if opinions are being formed, not wishing to rush to conclusions. There is something both beautiful and sad in the sound, which is fitting when addressing the world and its people. The cello finds and expresses the beauty, and there is an undeniable hope to this piece, and even optimism, particularly in the section led by piano and bass. For me, that is where the joy takes over.

“B’Nei Heichala” is another beautiful piece that seems to offer comfort and understanding. I especially love the way the lead on piano builds in the second half, the cello rising in support. And there is a wonderful, though brief, section of bass and guitar, the other instruments soon joining again and reaching a gorgeous climax. That is followed by “Dancing Together.” There is something intriguing about the progression of this track. It moves with joy, but also curiosity and a yearning. There is warmth to it, particularly when the piece attains a fuller sound, when everything comes together. “The Shepherd” is another of my favorite tracks, from that wonderful opening section, which features some cool work on bass. It has something of an improvised vibe, yet also seems to be coming from an older, or timeless, place, one of collective memory. This track creates a rather beautiful and interesting landscape, and features some excellent work on guitar.

The work on strings at the beginning of “Morning Star” feels like something occurring over a vast and barren landscape, and then as that opening section segues into main body of the piece, it becomes more intimate, like one person’s experience of something larger, one person’s perspective. It might feel a bit lonely, perhaps, but there is also an understanding of that position in relation to the larger universe, and so other elements are brought into that perspective. That’s followed by “Nigun Tzemach Tzedek,” a piece that is moving and soulful, yet having a good energy too, with some wonderful work on guitar. Then “David’s Harp” has a lighter vibe, with a kind of fun groove. It features some wonderful work on bass. The album concludes with “Purim Lanu.” There is some tension as it begins, then the track starts to open and build, with an intensity to the emotion that is compelling and exciting.

CD Track List

1. Awakening
2. My Soul Thirsts
3. Shifting Sky
4. The World And Its People
5. B’Nei Heichala
6. Dancing Together
7. The Shepherd
8. Morning Star
9. Nigun Tzemach Tzedek
10. David’s Harp
11. Purim Lanu

The World And Its People was released on February 9, 2024.