James Levy and the Blood Red Rose (i.e. Allison Pierce of The Pierces) debut release “Pray To Be Free” harkens back to the days when pop was tasteful and genuine. Levy’s booming baritone taunts a meticulously crafted rhythm section, layered and perfected by producer Guy Berryman (Coldplay). A native Vermonter, Levy came up through the anti-folk scene in the East Village with contemporaries Adam Green, Kimya Dawson, and Regina Spector, and then caught the attention of many with the dream-pop band called simply… Levy. His new project’s debut album “Pray To Be Free” is, “An older record with a classic vibe and a contemporary, fresh sound,” says Jeff Barrett, Heavenly’s head honcho. Levy delivers his vocals with the insouciant gusto of Bob Dylan, while his horn arrangements tell us he may very well rock out to Blood Sweat and Tears songs when no one is around. – Read Ed Guardaro’s interview with Levy here.
