Tony Levin – Bringing It Down to the Bass (Flatiron Recordings, 2024)
Tony Levin is one of the most prolific and versatile bassists in modern music, with an impressive career that spans over 50 years. He has contributed to more than 500 albums. Notably, Levin’s portfolio includes collaborations with icons such as Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, John Lennon, Paul Simon, and Alice Cooper, among others. He has also been a relentless live performer, crisscrossing the globe with King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, and his own bands like Stick Men.
Bringing It Down to the Bass is Levin’s seventh solo album, first since 2007. It is an affectionate tribute to the electric bass. Levin delivers masterful, elegant, intricate and passionate performances representing various musical genres. Levin demonstrates his skill and versatility as he plays a diverse set, from feel good funk jazz and fiery fusion to blues rock, progressive rock, hard rock, dazzling Indian music, chamber music and some quirky stuff as well.
Tony Levin plays bass, cello, stick, NS cello and also sings. The album features a fantastic list of guests: Manu Katche on drums; Dominic Miller on guitar; Pete Levin on keyboards; Chris Pasin on trumpet; Alex Foster on alto sax; Jay Collins on baritone sax; Toby Gendron on drums; Tony Lake on guitar; Scott Petito on horns; Jerry Marotta on drums and percussion; Steve Hunter on guitar; Larry Fast on keyboards; Jeremy Stacey on drums; Markus Reuter on Bridge Rhythm Touch guitar; Milo Jerreira-Hayes on drums; Vinnie Colaiuta on drums; Mike Portnoy on drums; Earl Slick on guitar; Gary Husband on keyboards; Ariel Shafir on guitar and drums; Steve Gadd on drums; Joe Caro on guitar; Josh Shpak, Chris Pasin on trumpet; Don Mikkelsen on trombone; Rob Katz on drums; L. Shankar on violin; Colin Gatwood on oboe, English horn; Pat Mastelotto on drums; David Torn on guitar; Robert Fripp on soundscape; innea Olsson, & Bess Brydolf (In Utero) on cello.