Fred Martin & The Levite Camp have released their stunning Debut Album

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne wrote the first half of this couplet to describe the erosion of support and opportunity for the underprivileged in America’s inner cites. The second part was inspired by the tireless efforts of Los Angeles music teacher, gospel-music expert and local treasure Fred Martin, who uses the power of song to offer his students a bridge to hope.

Martin selected his most gifted protégés (fronted by stellar lead vocalists Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills) – to form the Levite Camp, a fiercely dedicated group named for one of the twelve tribes of Israel—the musician priests who were allowed to dwell in the temple. They’ve backed up Browne, Ray Charles and the Neville Brothers, among others, on concert stages, Grammy performances and studio recordings including performing at a MusiCares tribute to Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson.

Now, in collaboration with Jackson Browne, Fred Martin & The Levite Camp have released their stunning debut album, Some Bridges. Six of the album’s 10 tracks were written by Browne, who also provided lead vocals on two cuts and co-produced with Martin.

Martin and Browne have been friends for years, since Martin’s high school choir backed up Browne at benefit performances in the early ’90s. The singer-songwriter offhandedly floated the idea of an album two years ago, and Martin threw himself into developing the project. Indeed, he’d secured the interest of Concord Records before the album was finished being recorded.

These achievements are part of Martin’s relentless determination. The Compton native, one of nine siblings, grew up in the ’70s; keenly aware of the escalating violence and drugs in his community, he sought another path. He learned music on his own, devouring books on composition and theory and becoming a church organist. Martin cites his parents for raising him in church, giving him his foundation and a strong faith in God which ultimately saved his life. He also credits after-school programs sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation with keeping him off the streets and showing him a better way.

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