Robson performs impeccably throughout, whether he’s contributing chordal washes in support, or taking the spotlight for some intricate, fluid solos of his own.
- AllAboutJazz
Phil Robson is one of the best guitar players in the world today. His musical ideas flow continually and with a seamless logic. His technique is flawless and is in service to his fertile imagination. One of my favourites and a source of inspiration! Don’t miss an opportunity to hear this modern giant!!
- Peter Bernstein
The same level of finesse Levy exhibits as a composer also helps distinguish his playing. He extracts a full, clear tone from his tenor, phrases melodies fluidly and improvises, on original pieces as well as standards, with an appealing blend of logic and invention. For all its surprises and twists, his music never sounds forced or gimmicky.
- from the Washington Post, review of "Sleight of Hand"
RE Jed Levy: This new record (“FACES AND PLACES”) presents a programme of 12 original compositions with an all-acoustic quartet and it’s terrific.
- Jazzwise Magazine, 4star review by Eddy Myer
Few musicians manage to elevate their artistic vision to this level. This latest project demands attentive listening: here, composition and improvisation are tightly interwoven. On intricate architectures, Levy threads melodic lines and cunning arrangements that transcend rhythmic conventions, sketching out a musical language that is utterly personal; and it works.
- Thierry De Clemensat, Paris-Move, "Indispensible" rating
Date & Time
May 14, 2026 9:00 pm
Location
Dolans UpstairsTickets
€15.00Touring Line-Up:
Jed Levy – tenor saxophone
Phil Robson – guitar
Mark Hodgson – bass
Shane O’Donovan – drums
The Levy/Robson Quartet returns this May following their riveting tour of Italy and the UK last autumn, with the fruit of that tour, a new musical offering – a brand-new album filled with original tunes (Livia Records, May 2026). The quartet plays music penned by both Levy and Robson. The music is innovative and contemporary whilst remaining highly melodic and groovy, with a strong sense of tradition mixed in with the diverse characteristics of each composer.
“On The Unpredictability of the Sea, inspiration for both musicians comes in many forms; myriad musical roots and branches, the wonder of nature, and the arts all run in their creative veins.” Says Ian Petterson in the album’s liner notes – “Levy and Robson are widely acknowledged maestros of their respective instruments, and the soloing on their debut album is utterly persuasive. But they are also fine composers, as these ten originals handsomely attest. Each contributes five compositions of singular stamp. If there is a common denominator, it is that the tunes bridge tradition and modernity. “I live in both worlds and revel in both worlds,” says Levy. “I like to share that belief with the audience, you know, that it’s all the same music and you can tap into all of it. You don’t have to codify it to be just one thing.”
This musical partnership was formed in New York City in 2017 between the highly acclaimed US saxophonist Jed Levy www.jedlevy.com and multi-award-winning UK born guitarist Phil Robson www.philrobsonmusic.com , who was living in NY at the time. The American quartet featuring Peter Slavov and Clarence Penn quickly began to become a regular feature in the city’s iconic venues such as Smalls, Birdland, 55 Bar etc, as well as touring in the UK, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Northern California and more. Robson relocated to Ireland in 2020, but since that time the collaboration has continued with various European incarnations of the band. In November/December 2025 They toured extensively in Italy and the UK joined by one of Europe’s most celebrated drummers from Rome, Roberto Gatto https://www.robertogatto.com and the incredible UK bassist Mark Hodgson who is one of the most in demand bassists on the contemporary jazz scene today https://www.peteatkin.com/mhodgson/mhodgson.htm
During that tour, while in Rome, they recorded a brand-new album called ‘The Unpredictability of the Sea’ which is due for release in May 2026 on the great Irish Label ‘Livia Records’. The Tour in that month will be to promote the album, and it will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear this music live.
Short biog notes (please see the separate folder for long biog notes of all touring band members):
Phil Robson is best known in Europe for his work with the cult UK band ‘Partisans’ which he co-led with saxophonist Julian Siegel over 22 years, as well as with his partner, the great singer/songwriter Christine Tobin. He has led many projects featuring such legendary artists as Dave Liebman, Mark Turner, Billy Hart, James Genus etc and he has played with a huge array of internationally acclaimed musicians ranging from Kenny Wheeler, Donny McCaslin, Django Bates to Barbra Streisand. www.philrobsonmusic.com
Jed Levy’s compositions have been performed and recorded by such luminaries as Mike Clark, Charlie Hunter, The Head-hunters, Eddie Henderson etc. and Jed has also performed and/or recorded with a wide variety of jazz music’s finest, including: Jaki Byard, Don Patterson, Jack McDuff, Lonnie Smith, Attila Zollar, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Junior Mance, Cedar Walton, Tom Harrell, Curtis Fuller and many others. Having initially played in major NYC venues such as Smalls, the 55 Bar etc, with sold out performances at Birdland, they went on to tour the UK and play gigs in Barcelona, Berlin, Rome and completed a tour of Northern California in 2019 which included a highly successful show in the legendary Oakland club, Yoshi’s at which Peter Slavov and Billy Drummond completed the line-up. His latest CD, Faces and Places (2025), his 11th as a leader has garnered critical acclaim worldwide. www.jedlevy.com