The Nov. 29 edition of Crashing the Ether featured an extensive interview host Rob Farrish recently conducted with legendary musician Tony Levin.
Here’s the archive,
Best known for his work with Peter Gabriel — with whom he has played for five decades — and as a member of King Crimson, Levin is also a veteran session musician appearing on hundreds of albums by artists such as David Bowie, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Richard Thompson, Lou Reed, Seal, Todd Rundgren, Laurie Anderson, Tom Waits and many others.
The bassist is currently touring with a new band, BEAT, which celebrates the music of the 1980s era of King Crimson, focusing on such classic releases as Discipline, Beat and Three Of A Perfect Pair.
Along with former Crimson frontman/guitarist Adrian Belew, the line-up also features guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey.
BEAT’s tour has been playing to sold-out crowds and receiving rave reviews since hitting the road in September. The band visits The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford on Dec. 3.
In addition to being highly in demand for his unique, inventive style of playing, Levin was also instrumental in popularizing the Chapman Stick, a 10- or 12-stringed instrument that covers the range of both a bass and a guitar.
The “Stick” is featured prominently on Levin’s latest release, Bringing it Down to the Bass (Flatiron Recordings). The album includes collaborations with many of the musicians Levin has worked with over the years, including members of Gabriel’s band and King Crimson.
In addition to discussing the BEAT tour, Levin provided some interesting insight to how he started working with Gabriel and the Robert Fripp-led Crimson, including some of the varied line-ups and musical approaches the band has taken over the past four decades. He also shares some memorable studio experiences.