Dot Levine is a dynamic, Philadelphia-based entertainer, bandleader and producer who has been lauded as a “guitar virtuoso and absurdist performer.” They are widely in-demand as a guitarist and vocalist for ensembles specializing in 1920s jazz music, but their full artistic range is both diverse and timeless. You can catch them at various venues around town with their group, The Singular Band, or as a solo performer for private events, such as weddings, birthday parties or other celebrations.
Dot performs with Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, The Red Hot Ramblers, The Joshua Fialkoff Quartet, and The Perseverance Jazz Band. In addition to their Singular Band, they perform in The Mahogany Stompers, a duo with percussionist Julius Masri, and The Howling Kettles, an old-timey trio with members spread across the United States.
Dot’s musical style is largely informed by the jazz and blues players of the 20’s through 40’s, but they draw inspiration from a wide array of musicians and entertainers, including Django Reinhardt, Mississippi John Hurt, Oscar Aleman, Oscar Moore, and Joseph Spence. Outside of guitarists, there’s Fats Waller, Sarah Vaughan, The Boswell Sisters, Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Naftule Brandwein, Otis Redding, Booker T & The MGs and The Temptations.
“Their vocal approach is almost like a tightwire act of bravado; committing themself 100 percent, they emote with each ounce of their breath, summoning a dialect that sounds mildly tipsy and wholly road-tested.” – Metroland
Dot is also an active producer and has worked extensively as a live sound technician. They build electronic instruments and equipment to use in their recording studio and in their solo experimental project, Fink Tank.
