Rafi started playing the guitar in Israel, at the age of 12.

In September 2004, Rafi released his solo CD, “Desert Cruising in a Dub State of Mind.” The CD is a mix of Latin, Reggae, and Middle Eastern influenced instrumentals with a dreamy dub feel. In "Desert Cruising in a Dub State of Mind", Rafi wrote, arranged, produced, and hand-picked some of today’s most talented musicians to accompany his six strings.

He has also been writing, performing, and recording music in a band called Hypnology (formerly known as Poopan) since 1997. Hypnology is a mix of Funk, Reggae, Drum N Bass, Acid Jazz, and World Grooves. They have shared the stage with top national acts such as Black Eye Peas, Mix Master Mike (DJ from the Beastie Boys), Xzibit, Pennywise, and Alkaholiks. They are currently releasing their third CD.

Rafi is determined to continue to release new and different flavors and to grow and challenge himself as a musician, guitar player, and songwriter.

Rafi Levy Bio

Somewhere between here and DubLand, a breathtaking sound has captured the soul of music fans. Rafi Levy is a young, ambitious guitar player and is an L.A. transfer from Israel. He has seamlessly bridged the gap between Latin, Reggae and Middle Eastern melodies and created an original and overall infectious Dub flavor. In his latest release, Desert Cruising in a Dub State of Mind, Rafi wrote, arranged, produced, and hand-picked some of today’s most talented musicians to accompany his six strings.

Rafi’s dedication and commitment to music know no limitations. He has been exploring and studying different sounds and styles, both foreign and timeless, since the age of twelve. Other recent projects include a six-piece Funk, Drum&Bass, Acid Jazz, and Reggae fusion known as Hypnology. The band debuted their collective sound in early 1997, fronted by the guitar player’s imaginative sound display. In Hypnology, Rafi’s hypnotic licks and unique melodies often mimic and resemble entirely different instruments. He has the ability to think outside the confines of the guitar.

Hypnology has shared the stage with top national acts, such as Mix Master Mike, Xzibit, The Alkaholiks, Pennywise, Black Eye Peas and more. Rafi is determined to continue to release new and different flavors and to grow and challenge himself as a musician, guitar player, and songwriter.

"Desert Cruising" Press Release

Latin, Reggae, and Middle Eastern Influenced Instrumentals with a Dreamy Dub Feel

May 10, 2005 (Los Angeles, CA) -- Rafi Levy, an Israeli born guitar player from Los Angeles, California, has released his debut solo album, “Desert Cruising in a Dub State of Mind.” The album contains 11 beautiful tracks that take you on a journey visiting Spain, The Middle East, South America, the Caribbean and more. “I've been looking all over for an album of this caliber! This album has the perfect mix of Reggae, Latin, Surf, Middle Eastern and downright Groove!” independent reviewer Ron Moore writes.

Rafi Levy has seamlessly bridged the gap between Latin, Reggae and Middle Eastern melodies and created an original and overall infectious Dub flavor. In his latest release, “Desert Cruising in a Dub State of Mind,” Rafi wrote, arranged, produced, and hand-picked some of today’s most talented musicians to accompany his six strings.

Rafi’s dedication and commitment to music know no limitations. He has been exploring and studying different sounds and styles, both foreign and timeless, since the age of twelve. “I want to put out my own CDs in different styles and incorporate different influences of mine from all over the world,” the Grant Green, Ernest Ranglin, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley influenced musician explains. “But express it the way I hear and feel it. I want to create something positive for people.”

Rafi listens to many different styles of music, and he says he’s always open to hearing new ideas and new music. One can hear a lot of different influences and musical feels and elements in the music he writes. “I’m into playing anything as long as it sounds good to me and is played with passion, feeling, soul and I am having fun doing it,” Rafi comments. “I am not into imitating other people or trying to sound like somebody else. I like to listen to music and learn things from people, but when I come to write music, I forget about everything and put all that stuff aside.”

“Desert Cruising in a Dub State of Mind” is a mix of Latin, Reggae and Middle-Eastern influenced instrumentals with a dreamy Dub feel. If you like music like The Gypsy Kings, Santana and World Music that blends cultures and musical feels from around the world, you will definitely love this music. This music will relax, inspire and put you in a positive state of mind.

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