All-Star Trio's Tribute to a Seattle Icon
When harpist, improviser and prolific collaborator Carol J Levin passed away suddenly in late 2025, conversations started about how to honor her. A recording project with three frequent musical partners is a result. The three are Heather Bentley, Greg Campbell and Amy Denio. The trio is called The Hegramatics (an amalgam of the first two letters of their names).
Their album is titled Gefühlswallung, which translates to “a surge of emotion,” a term that fits the reality of these times. Listen to it here.
For the uninitiated, Amy and Heather are veterans of Right Brain Records. Amy, who has built a career a singular vocalist who is equally adept on saxophone, clarinet and accordion, has been part of a half dozen RBR albums. Her music spans jazz, avant-garde world and folk music. Heather, who splits time between cello and viola, and further divides efforts between composition, classical performance and free experimentation, recorded with Carol as part of the trio CHA. Greg is a master percussionist and adds French horn and cornet for good measure. He’s new to RBR, but well-known through Seattle’s vibrant music scene.
Their album is a series of improvised pieces with a range as wide as that description suggests.
“[Gefühlswallung] is giving me vibes of John Zorn’s albums with Kenny Wolleson, harpist Carol Emmanuel, and Bill Frisell... alchemy of fresh and pretty and weird and sad and funny and flipping gorgeous.””
R to L: Heather, Greg, Amy and and sound engineer Ayesha Ubayatilaka.
The record also features a guest: Carol herself.
Recording live above archival recordings, we were able to create new compositions that highlight Carol’s distinct skills and voice on the harp. It’s a sendoff, one last jam session memorialized in two new pieces: “Ihre Hand” and “Freiheit.”
Here’s a quote from one listener, Monica Schley:
“I'm sitting here listening to [this] new album and just laughing and crying at the “Irhe” song with Carol's playing. The whole thing is giving me vibes of John Zorn's albums with Kenny Wolleson, harpist Carol Emmanuel, and Bill Frisell. I just love it. [The] playing is alchemy of fresh and pretty and weird and sad and funny and flipping gorgeous. Carol would LOVE this! Well done!!”
Note two related upcoming events:
A Bandcamp listening party for this album takes place on June 28 at 11am Pacific (2pm Eastern / 8pm Central European)
The Hegramatics will perform a tribute concert with guest Lotus Lungs on August 15 at the Good Shepherd Chapel in Seattle.
You can hear more of Carol’s music on Right Brain Records, including three albums with Spontanea and one with CHA.
Carol has an intriguing personal story, BTW. With classical training, she was introduced to the world of improvised music in middle age, and never turned back. Her command of her instrument, adaptability and collaborative spirit led her to many projects, too many to list here.
AI produced this nice summary of Carol’s role and impact in the Seattle music community:
“Carol J. Levin, a beloved Seattle-based electric harpist, improviser, and community volunteer, passed away in October 2025, leaving a profound impact on the local music scene. Known for her work with Earshot Jazz and her vibrant presence, a memorial was held at Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar on December 15, 2025.
“Key Details on Carol Levin's Life and Legacy:
Musical Contribution: She was a prominent figure in the Seattle music scene, known for playing electric harp in various ensembles and creating a unique sound often associated with a wah-pedal, as noted in tributes on Facebook and Instagram.
Community Involvement: She was an active volunteer for Earshot Jazz and a teacher, recognized for her joyful energy.
Personal Life: She was married to her husband, Steve, for 47 years and was a mother to musician Josh Deutsch.
Artistic Pursuits: Beyond music, she was a poet whose work depicted Pacific Northwest life.
Memorial: A celebration of her life was held on December 15, 2025, to honor her contributions and memory.”
