I am not sure what is most surprising about Levi Kreis: his amazing songwriting and musical talents or his rare genuine character in an industry saturated by artificiality.

I first became aware of Levi a couple of years listening to my favorite award winning podcast the Feast of Fools (http://www.feastoffools.net/).  He was interviewed by the hosts of the show Fausto Fernos and Marc Felion.

http://www.feastoffools.net/index.php

When I listen to the podcast you are immediately drawn to this personable man and to his story.  Levi was featured in the show the Apprentice which became his big break. He has appeared in film, TV and has released a couple of albums. He has written music.

His hit song, “I Should Go” became a hit song on the Days of Our Lives in a major story line.

The song “Just this Good” which came out of the show Apprentice is one my favorites.  Here are the lyrics:

It's just this good
I never thought I could
Feel such love in my soul
You're the reason I know
That it's just good

You've given me
What my soul seeks to find
A love that reveals
A greater design
I've always wondered
What heaven was like
Strange, that I never saw
Heaven was here all along
Baby

It's just this good
I never thought I could
Feel such love in my soul
You're the reason I know
That it's just this good

Just this one kiss
I'm a believer
Halleluiah
Cuz Baby we are

Just this good
I never, never thought I could
Feel such love in my soul
You're the reason I know
That it's just this good

“You Found Me” is another song that is a favorite of mine.

Kreis roots are in Eastern Tennessee and his music reflects it. He  started in traditional Christian Gospel and has grown to a very soulful, jazz , rock musical niche.  I want to emphasize soul.

Levi speaks of his coming out journey as a gay man and you feel and hear that story through his music. You sense it has been a deeply spiritual, emotional and sensual experience for him.

I recently spent an afternoon with a friend of mine visiting from Long Beach who happened to see Kreis in concert.  Apparently this intensity and sex appeal carries off on stage also. My friend was lustful for Levi.

So Mr. Kreis has all those elements that make him both a consummate artist and a pop star. He has also been a voice for a segment of the gay community- the Christian gays.

No one better understand their challenges than him.

With a new album coming out in fall and the momentum that continues to grow, Levi Kreis is fast filling the role of future music giant.  I believe he is on the verge of a major breakout.

In the meanwhile, visit his website at:    http://www.levikreis.com/live/

I know a lot of people think video's like this are cheesy or meaningless, but i find it quite inspiring.  I'm also a big fan of Levi Kreis, which makes this song even better. Though I have stated I intend on supporting a Democrat in November, I'm really hoping for an Obama nomination.  He has inspired a new group of voters, young and old, and while some might not think that speaks any political volume, I feel it holds considerable weight.

What I like about this song is the line "We are the ones we've been waiting for." Whatever happens, please remember that becoming complacent does not evoke change. If you want an agent of change, it has to be you. I wonder if John McCain has a song like this...

Christine Lavin – folk pioneer, founding Bitchin' Babe,

and an Oasis CD client herself – hosts the XM Satellite Radio program Slipped Disc with producer Bill Kates. She was kind enough to send us a note recently saying that she'd be airing a generous chunk of the latest OasisAcoustic sampler CD on her show; the segment will air four times.

Tracks featured included "I Should Go" by Levi Kreis, "Ain't So Green" by Carsie Blanton, and "The Starbucks of County Down" by long-time Oasis client Greg Trafidlo.

They also featured work by other long-time Oasis clients and friends such as Janis Ian and Grace Griffith.

Christine and Bill also discussed on the air Oasis as a manufacturer who "goes the extra mile" for independent music clients.

Thanks Chris!

--Micah

Micah Solomon

President, Oasis Disc Manufacturing