Tony Levin Reveals How Steve Gadd Changed His Career, Explains How He Chose Musicians for New Solo Album

While Tony Levin is one of the most prolific session and live musicians, one should not overlook his solo work. Although we waited a bit for his new album, about 17 years, we’re more than happy to finally have a record like Bringing It Down to the Bass.

What’s so special about this new collection of songs is that Levin invited a lineup of incredible musicians. In fact, each song has an entirely different lineup. As the legendary Chapman stick virtuoso prepared for his tour with Beat, he sat down with us for a chat, sharing a few details about his record.

“Like anyone who’s on the road a lot, when I’m home, I do music,” Levin said of his creative process. “Most often for other people — play bass tracks for people. And then, when there’s a little time, I write stuff. I’ve been doing that forever.”

“And really, only a couple of years ago, I kind of started seeing… Things are not easing up for me as I get older — I’m actually busier, and that’s a good thing. It’s a good problem to have. So I could see, if I don’t carve out some time, I’ll never finish that album. And I had a lot of good material — way more than I used for it.”

Despite his tight schedule, Tony decided that it was finally time to give some priority to his own solo music. He continued:

“And then, early in 2024, I blocked out three months, something I don’t usually do, and I put my own stuff at the top of the list, the priority. And I finished up some tracks and wrote some new tracks.”

“Most especially, I was able to get the players I wanted. I didn’t want to do the kind of album I usually do, where you have a rhythm section, and you do the whole album in a few days, and then you have other guys.”

“I wanted a specific… Especially drummers — I’m lucky to know some great drummers, and I had specific guys in mind for each track. So the personnel are different on each track, and in my musical fevered brain, they’re each tailored to that track.”

“I’d play the bass line, and I’d fashion the piece and the composition. I think, ‘Well, who would I most like to hear playing drums on this?'”

One of the musicians on this record is the almighty drum legend Steve Gadd. Featured on the track, “Espressoville,” Gadd and Levin were also accompanied by Joe Caro on guitar, Pete Levin, Josh Shpak and Chris Pasin on trumpets, and Don Mikkelsen on trombone.

When reminded of the many great artists with whom he had the chance to collaborate, Levin recalled Gadd and explained how meeting the drummer pretty much shifted his musical journey and career.

“I was so lucky,” Tony recalled. “I was a classical player and went to Eastman School of Music. And I played a little jazz, but only a little. And there was this drummer, Steve Gadd, who was great at that age, too. And well-known. And he had no bass player to play his gigs with him.”

“So how lucky was I that at that young age, he quietly was mentoring me. Because I didn’t have a clue how to really play good jazz. Maybe I still am not that great at it.”

“So I busted out of classical thanks to a drummer. Each band I’ve been in, the other players too, are inspiring — and we could talk all day about that.”

“But, at least in my experience, when you get kicked in the butt by a guy who’s better at this style than you are, it’s a challenge, and you get the chance to learn and become better at what you do.”

Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of our interview with Tony.