Groove – Episode #17: Tony Levin

Tony Levin is a bass specialist. Pure, simple, and rhythmic. Bass players know how hard it is to find one’s voice. Levin has not only found his voice but a very distinct sound, playing style, and groove, whether he’s playing electric, upright, or the Chapman Stick. It would be easy to lump him into the progressive rock genre (consider his work with King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, and Pink Floyd), but digging deeper into his discography (over 500 albums that include everyone from Cher and John Lennon to Carly Simon and Seal), you will uncover a true artist.

It’s not just music. Tony started blogging (before it was even called that) in 1996, he writes books, is an avid photographer, and more.

Levin turns 70 years old this year, and he’s busier than ever. His Levin Brothers band (a duo featuring him and Pete – his brother) is still active, Stick Men is just finishing up a club tour, he will hit the road next month with Peter Gabriel and Sting and then cap off the year with some additional King Crimson dates. Recording, writing, taking pictures, touring, and more creative output.

Levin, a bass legend, does not want to slow down.

Enjoy the conversation…