Tony Levin... wow, just wow

[Bocete]

I've just seen him performing live on TV. I didn't like the song when heard on radio. But this live version.. wow.

I wish I could think the way he does. I can only comprehend a bit of what his playing, and could never do it with that much feel.

I've found that performance on youtube, though it sounded way better on tv. Didn't feel the chills now.


Just a tribute, nothing more

[WRXbase]

one of those guys that crossed over from BA bass player to a phenominal musician

[Swin]

I love watching him on the Peter Gabriel "Secret World Live" & "Growing Up" dvd's...awesome stuff!

[RobJ]

I've seen him live a few times including tours with Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford and Howe, King Crimson and Projekt Four. Incredible player and a really nice guy.

[BigOldHarry]

+1 - met tony at a NAMM show several years back - a great player. *that said*, I bought a solo album of his and it was... well, dull at best. I was really hoping for something wild and funky, but it was very new-ageish... not what I expected at all.

his work with KK was the best, no doubt...

[Sub5ound]

I saw him live at Bearsville theatre in Woodstock....mindblowing! It was a homecoming show for his "Resonator" CD.

[Sub5ound]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

+1 - met tony at a NAMM show several years back - a great player. *that said*, I bought a solo album of his and it was... well, dull at best. I was really hoping for something wild and funky, but it was very new-ageish... not what I expected at all.

his work with KK was the best, no doubt...

Have you checked out "Resonator"? I think it is his best solo effort to date.

[Philbiker]

I love every bit of his playing that I've ever heard, which is quite a lot.

[NickBass81]

Tony Levin is one of my biggest influences...I think that he has crossed a lot of aspects of playing, from percussive to melodic, and always with his own style...plus he seems to be a super nice guy...

[Nigel Rahmshard]

if you want to read an awesome book read, "beyond the bass clef" by tony levin. it is awesome. very humourous.

[edbutler3]

Originally Posted by Nigel Rahmshard

if you want to read an awesome book read, "beyond the bass clef" by tony levin. it is awesome. very humourous.

+1 -- Great little book.

[GregDunn]

It's really worth it to see him live. He played at a hole-in-the-wall here in Indy a few years ago (The Patio) with the TLB, and was just amazing. And to stand out when you're playing with Jerry Marotta, Jesse Gress and Larry Fast...

I must admit, though, I went to the show partly to meet Larry, who has been a strong influence on me for ages. But they were all very nice guys in person as well as super tight on stage.

[RONQUITO]

I just saw him with Peter Gabriel and "...being blown away" doesn´t begin to describe what i felt, his incredible musicianship just works perfectly in a band context, he doesn´t stand out as some of his peers, he melts into the rythm section like no one i´ve ever heard. During the band´s performance i remembered how amazed i was when i heard guys like Vic, Stu, Gary Willis, etc, when i was a young begginner (now i'm a grown up begginner haha), i thought that ability to do lightining fast licks were all a good bass player could aspire to, and then with my mind back in the concert i laughed to myself...

When people ask me what was it like to see "The emperor of bass" (actually Peter Gabriel described him that way) i tell them that i have two kind of news for them: one good and one bad, the good news is "...i just saw the best bassist on earth performing" and the bad news is " unless he comes down here again, i´m not going to see bass playing of that caliber again"

He used:

-Green Stingray w/ fancy top, and no pickguard, maple fretboard, 5 string, i think it was a special edition.
-Red 5 string bass, Music Man?, odd body shape, H/S/S pup configuration.
-Black Music Man bass, no idea of the model, looked like modded 4 string ´Ray, he used it on "Sledgehammer"
-NS EUB, 5 string, sometimes w/ a bow (for a minute there, i thought i was going to poop my pants)
-The almighty STICK!, he used it on "San Jacinto", i have no words for that...forgive me.

/rant

[dmusic148]

Tony is the master of correct note length. And he always plays exactly the right thing.

[KevtheRev]

+1
Peter Gabriel's "Secret World" live DVD. And with Manu Katche on drums you just can't ask for a better rhythm section!
Side note - you'll also fall in love with Paula Cole.

[Ezbass]

Originally Posted by KevtheRev

Peter Gabriel's "Secret World" live DVD. And with Manu Katche on drums you just can't ask for a better rhythm section!

One of my favourite rhythm sections ever. Tony Levin is simply The Man.

[cnltb]

I actually like his solo albums , although it did take me a while.
World diary is my favorite.
An album I'd highly recommend is awa Yio by ivan lins.
Excellent. and has a fantastic band !

[rythman6969]

saw him with King Crimson some years ago . he and Belew are just amazing to watch , besides to hear. never saw musicians who love playing so much. inspiring.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Ezbass

One of my favourite rhythm sections ever. Tony Levin is simply The Man.

+1 That DVD of Secret World Live with a very young Paula Cole (who just KILLs on that tour) is just amazing. Manu and Tony are literally perfect IMO.

I saw Tony live a while back at a small club in St. Louis doing his solo thing, and it was very cool. He is just the NICEST cat, and hung out for a LONG time after the show talking to everyone, etc. Class act. I love his website with his 'notes from the road' thing.

[Bassmingo]

for any levin fans that havent seen this, you're about to poop your pants.

Interesting

Wow!