Tony, Tony, Tony! (Levin)

[Bassamatic]

I was privileged to be one of a handful of people invited to the final dress rehearsal of the BEAT tour, with monster players Tony Levin, Steve Vai, Adiran Belew and Danny Carey, playing the 80's jazz fusion of King Crimson! WOW! Totally blew my mind watching this amazing display of Musicianship - often Playing and singing in different time signatures!

Tony Played the Stick about 60% of the time, adding another guitar line to those of Vai and Belew while also covering the bass. AND often singing yet another harmony and /or playing keys at the same time! He also sometimes played his bass with long foam "fingers" playing a steady rhythm.

All the players were just SO NICE to chat with before and after the show. Certainly a great day for me.

For anyone interested in this music, the BEAT show will not disappoint. They have now started a 65 city tour!

 

[hooky_marr]

WOW!!! How cool is that? None more cool.

 

[lomo]

Cool. Sadly I missed the boat-the Montreal show sold out in a heartBEAT. I saw them twice in the 80s. Amazing band!

 

[Bassamatic]

After hearing it, I must say that I am REALLY glad no one asked me to play any of it!! So complex!

 

[onda'bass]

I watched you tube and saw a show. Just amazing musicians

 

[Michedelic]

I was privileged to be one of a handful of people invited to the final dress rehearsal of the BEAT tour, with monster players Tony Levin, Steve Vai, Adiran Belew and Danny Carey, playing the 80's jazz fusion of King Crimson! WOW! Totally blew my mind watching this amazing display of Musicianship - often Playing and singing in different time signatures!

Tony Played the Stick about 60% of the time, adding another guitar line to those of Vai and Belew while also covering the bass. AND often singing yet another harmony and /or playing keys at the same time! He also sometimes played his bass with long foam "fingers" playing a steady rhythm.

All the players were just SO NICE to chat with before and after the show. Certainly a great day for me.

For anyone interested in this music, the BEAT show will not disappoint. They have now started a 65 city tour!

How is Vai doing being not Fripp?

 

[Bassamatic]

Vai was amazing and steady. He (and everyone else) played every note perfectly!
This show was done with Fripp's blessings and he provided a lot of the original scores. I can't even imagine learning this intense music!

 

[subtlestew]

I'll be at the NYC show.. can't wait!

 

[sevdog]

Very cool. I'm super excited to see them Friday night in Austin. Can't wait

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Got seats in April for the 11/3 show...

 

[Stubb]

Tony Levin is an all-time great, and to me, the 80s Crimson music has his most interesting playing. Plus I love those songs and the vibe so much.

 

[Carl Hillman]

Steve-Vai Ray?

 

[jastraw]

Wow! What a treat that must have been.

 

[CryingBass]

Saw these guys many times back in the day. Tony said recently it kinda kicked his butt to get ready for this tour. That's a tell!

And Adrian Belew always delivers IMHO.

Four of a Perfect Pair!

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Steve-Vai Ray?

Almost - but not quite flamboyant enough.

(AKA: the "Keith Ferguson effect"...)

 

[Dr. Cheese]

They are coming to St. Louis in October. It would be great to see them.

 

[Bassamatic]

They are coming back to LA in a month or so - maybe I'll go see them again. This level of playing is so rare.

 

[d180fuzz]

I saw their show in Los Angeles last night. Phenomenal. Belew and Tony Levin were stellar and on-point as would be expected. Vai played a few smokin' solos and sounded great doing his darndest to fill Fripp's gigantic shoes. Danny Carey's drumming style lent itself perfectly to Bruford's 80's rhythms. Drum sound was massive. There were moments where I could hear how much Bruford influences Danny's playing in Tool. I've seen him play outside of the Tool context many times over a lot of years (Volto / jazz ensembles) and IMO he's a great fit for the BEAT gig. What a lineup of spectacular musicians.

Bassamatic, what a privelege that you were invited to witness the dress rehearsal! I'm now thinking I might splurge for a ticket to a show at the end of the tour - can you imagine how much tighter and more free they'll be with a coupla months of nearly-nightly shows under their belts?

 

[Bassamatic]

Glad you saw and liked them. I was so impressed. Besides the musicanship, I was totally blown away by the sound. I shoulda thanked the mixer. It was LOUD but didn't hurt your ears! Really well done. The drums were monstrous.

You are right - around show 60 they will be really tight if they could possibly be better! Thousand Oaks I think for the next show around here.

It was a privilege. It pays to dog-sit for the right people! My friend who was co-producer here, puts together and performs in the most amazing shows. He's also doing a Bowie tour with Adrian and others of that level.

 

[d180fuzz]

It WAS loud! I didn't really notice until the show was over and we were outside - my ears were ringing just a bit. Beautiful, powerful, and cacophonous. If you're into 80s-era KC, this is a tour not to miss.