Having gained fame for his work with Peter Gabriel, King Crimson and Stick Men (to name just a few), legendary bassist Tony Levin releases a rare solo album that, if nothing else, it proves that you’re known by the company that you keep. With the collection of artists that team up on this album Mr. Levin has lived an exemplary life.
The width and breath of artists that are mixed and match include drummers such as Steve Gadd, Vinnie Coliauta, Jerry Marotta, Gary Husband, Larry Fast, Mike Portnoy, Pat Mastelotto and Manu Katche with guitarists Earl Slick, Steve Hunter and Robert Fripp. Then, there are all star guests including saxist Alex Foster, with all of the songs bubbling over with energy and ideas.
And, breaking out of his normal supportive role, Levin does a pretty good amount of soloing as well, elegiac on the lead of “Me and My Axe”, rocking hard on “Uncle Funkster” and delving into King Crimson waters on the acidic “Boston Rocks” and digging in over the mechanical pulse of “Bungie Bass”. His teaming with lifelong friend Steve Gadd creates a rivulet on “Espressoville” while a chamber’d “Beyond The Bass Clef” has Levin tripling on cllo, bass and Stick with marvelous results. Levin even brings in some levity, as “Side B/Turn It Over” has a kind of barbershop quartet feel, while an almost Dave Frishbergish piece “On The Drums” has an a capella male chorus recite the names of famous drummers such as Billy Cobham, Steve Smith, Bill Bruford and …well, you’ve got to hear it for yourself.
But isn’t that why you’ve followed Levin’s career anyway? This one’s a real testimony not only to his own playing, but to his relationships.