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Photo by Erika Kapin
When Allegra Levy stepped onto the small stage at The Karamel in London, the room was already full of anticipation. I had reviewed her album Out of the Question last year, but her live performance exceeded all expectations. This was her first London concert, performed while on holiday with her family, and she seemed completely at ease. Randy Ingram on piano and Freddie Jensen on bass accompanied her, creating a tight, lively trio that drew the audience in from the first note.
Levy’s voice has the rare ability to transport you to different places. The opening number, “Are You Real?” from Out of the Question, immediately captured the attention of the audience. She wrote the lyrics herself, and her scatting was precise and warm. Ingram’s piano solo fit perfectly around her lines, delicate but full of movement.
A particularly moving moment came with her version of The Beatles’ “Mother Nature’s Son.” Levy sang with a storytelling approach, looking directly at the audience as she performed. The piano solo was melodic and full, and Jensen’s bass supported the music steadily. The audience listened quietly, completely absorbed. Levy has a way of making people feel part of the performance rather than just watching it.
Even without a drummer, rhythm ran throughout the set. “I Don’t Wanna Be in Love,” from her first album, was given a samba feel. Levy’s staccato phrasing brought energy to the song, contrasting with the darker lyrics. Her scatting, slightly behind the beat, built tension that was released with applause. She never sings to show off — every phrase serves the song and the mood.
Her take on “Never Will I Marry,” the Nancy Wilson–Cannonball Adderley classic, was bold and confident. She sang wide intervals effortlessly and scatted with ease. The performance felt like a lively New York club, full of energy, and the audience responded warmly. On “Endless Stars,” with lyrics by Norma Winstone, Levy’s calm alto lines floated over the accompaniment. The room was quiet, as if nobody wanted to break the feeling she had created.
Levy’s own “What’s in a Name?” was tender and clear, written for her daughter. The song could fit easily into a musical, with its 3/4 rhythm and thoughtful lyrics. The trio worked together to support her, and the piano solo brought the song to a gentle close. Then came her version of The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” — smoky, bluesy, and full of character. The faster section became a swinging double-time groove, with Ingram’s piano solo adding freedom and energy. Levy’s final phrasing brought laughter and applause from the crowd.
The second half continued in the same way. “What Are You Waiting For?” from Out of the Question was delivered with clear phrasing and a strong sense of the song’s story. In “CJ,” a protest song by John McNeil, Levy led with conviction, her scatting tight and expressive, while Jensen’s bass played with focus and energy.
She brought warmth to “Lovely City,” with a soft, mid-tempo swing that reminded of Norah Jones, and later added a playful kazoo solo, which showed her sense of fun and her skill with phrasing. Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” was transformed into a rolling swing, with Levy’s smooth voice supported by piano and bass. “Looking at the Moon” was cheerful and lively, inspired by the image of a dancing astronaut. The concert ended with The Beatles’ “I Will,” arranged as a samba, joyful and light, featuring another playful kazoo section.
By the end of the night, the audience was clearly thrilled. Levy’s performance was not only technically strong but also genuine and engaging. She sings with heart, humour, and a sense of story, connecting with the audience in a way that feels effortless. Allegra Levy is a singer to watch, and her first London show left no doubt that her music deserves attention.
Header photo by Betty Accorsi
Last modified: November 3, 2025
