Lowell Levinger
Banana began his career in bluegrass on the east coast in Boston with “Banana and the Bunch, Old Time Music with Appeal” playing bluegrass in the local coffee houses of the early 60’s being mentored by the likes of Bill Kieth and The Charles River Valley Boys. After several years in the east coast folk/bluegrass scene, he co-founded The Youngbloods with Joe Bauer, Jesse Colin Young, and Jerry Corbitt. The band moved from New York City to West Marin in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1967.
Along with co-producing The Youngbloods records with Joe Bauer and many others on his own, he produced the first two High Country albums for Butch Waller which were released by Warner Bros. Records in the early 1970’s. This introduced California bluegrass to a worldwide audience.
Following The Youngbloods final gig in September 1973 after nine memorable years together, Lowell’s musical opportunities stretched his diversity. Not only did Banana tour and record as the sole accompanist to Mimi Fariña for over twenty years, but he worked in bands with Norton Buffalo, Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, David Grisman, The Barry “The Fish” Melton Band, and Zero, where he played keyboard and sang lead for over ten years. He has performed duo gigs with David Nelson, Keith Little, Freebo, Peter Rowan and many other notable artists, as well as producing and lending his musical prowess on countless recording sessions.
Banana maintains an active musical schedule through live gigs, recording, workshops and various appearances.
