Funny Tony Levin Story

[Dr. Cheese]

This image of Tony Levin with hair and an Ampeg Baby Bass came from a funny story I read on Facebook. John McLaughlin wanted Tony Levin as his first choice for the Mahavishnu Orchestra. McLaughlin called and Tony Levin’s mother-in-law answered the phone. She told him some guy named Murray Vishnu wants you to join his orchestra and Tony Levin inquired no further.

 

[onda'bass]

Tony!! Will be seeing him in December with beat.

 

[slinkp]

That story along with many great others is in Tony's book "Beyond the Bass Cleff". Highly recommend.
It seems to be sold out on the official store sadly. Tony Levin / Papabear Records Store

 

[Fuzzbass]

I stumbled across this video on YouTube. I shared it with a friend, saying "the only thing I recognize about the bassist is his fingers!".



This was Paul Simon's rhythm section for awhile. I knew Tony played the brilliant bass line in "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover", and always wondered who wrote it. I recently caught an interview with Tony where he said Paul hummed him the bass line for the verse, but he did his Tony Levin thing for the chorus.

 

[Low Main]

From the first notes I heard Tony Levin and Steve Gadd play in the old Chuck Mangione quartet back in the early 70's, I knew they were both special.

I love that photo of Tony with the Baby Bass. Looks like President Roosevelt half hidden behind the granite facade.

McLaughlin did OK after not being able to get Tony for the Mahavishnu project.

He hired a good upright player.

 

[Gunga Din]

That story along with many great others is in Tony's book "Beyond the Bass Cleff". Highly recommend.
It seems to be sold out on the official store sadly. Tony Levin / Papabear Records Store

I have just seen the online prices for that book!

 

[roccobass]

Bill Bruford loved playing with Tony. When BB did his own autobiography, there’s a great experience he relates to in his book about the time he and Tony did a recording session with Al Di Meola. Tony was a bit perturbed at Al for being 4 hours late to the session. You guys need to check out at least that passage. However, Bill’s entire book is a good read.

 

[Altitude]

I’m seeing him with Beat on Friday.

At risk of making this too sentimental - the preponderance of my 80s King Crimson exposure was from a buddy who loved that period. He had all the albums.

He passed five years ago Saturday and a bunch of us who loved him are meeting to see one of his favorite bands (sort of).

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I want to see Beat on 11/30 when they come to St. Louis. I have had bad luck making it to concerts this year, but I hope to see them.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Tony was a bit perturbed at Al for being 4 hours late to the session.

Good lord, if Tony was perturbed I imagine Bill was apoplectic! BB is notoriously distainful of musicians who don't respect his time

...as am I

 

[roccobass]

Good lord, if Tony was perturbed I imagine Bill was apoplectic! BB is notoriously distainful of musicians who don't respect his time

...as am I

It was really funny how Tony handled it. He was quite professional about too, IMO.

Regarding Bill, in his book he states the the following. I don't have the book in front of me, but it pretty much went like this.
There's no greater disrespect a musician could inflict on an another musician than to make them wait for you. In the book, he mentions Chris Squire as being a bit offender in that department.

 

[brianrost]

When BB did his own autobiography, there’s a great experience he relates to in his book about the time he and Tony did a recording session with Al Di Meola. Tony was a bit perturbed at Al for being 4 hours late to the session. You guys need to check out at least that passage.

That one is indeed hilarious.

 

[Isaac_James]

I had an opportunity to see Tony at a small local venue when his band Stick Men was touring. I paid $25 for the ticket. I was able to get roght up close and watch him play... he's an incredible musician and I think I enjoyed that more than I could have enjoyed nosebleed seats for who knows how much for an official King Crimson show.

Another one (that I did not take). Stairway to Levin lol

 

[bonin in the boneyard]

I saw BEAT a couple of weeks ago in Boston and it was nothing short of mind blowing. I don't even like King Crimson--I just went because Carey, Vai, and Levin. But all four are still completely on their game and gel very well.

You guys with tickets are in for a treat. You guys on the fence, well, just sayin'

Queued up to the business, but the whole set was amazing. They got a standing ovation after every song in the second set.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Here are two live performances of Paul Simon with Tony Levin and Steve Gad. Richard Tee is on piano and Eric Gale is on lead guitar.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

Good lord, if Tony was perturbed I imagine Bill was apoplectic! BB is notoriously distainful of musicians who don't respect his time

...as am I

I'd like yo hear Al's side of the story

 

[Indiedog]

Bill Bruford loved playing with Tony. When BB did his own autobiography, there’s a great experience he relates to in his book about the time he and Tony did a recording session with Al Di Meola. Tony was a bit perturbed at Al for being 4 hours late to the session. You guys need to check out at least that passage. However, Bill’s entire book is a good read.

One of the best stories in the book. Bill so perfectly describes the sequence that I was squirming on my seat because I could truly feel their common frustrations. But what Bill describes even better is how Tony handled his parts.

And as a fan of Al’s work, I can tell you the BB and TL performances on that album were excellent.

Tony is simply a legend for his work. I so enjoyed seeing him again with BEAT, and of course encourage all of you to go to the show if possible.

 

[winston]

OMG short sleeve turtleneck!
Can't wait to see Tony with Beat in San Jose on Nov. 20!