2023 Reader Favorite Bassists – #9: Tony Levin
Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we tally up all the article and video views on No Treble to come up with a list of the top 10 most popular bassists. This is entirely based on readership, not on opinions, polls, or anything else. Just having some fun.
Tony Levin once again makes the annual reader favorite bassists list for 2023, thanks in part to his first new music with Peter Gabriel in 20 years. Throw in an excellent King Crimson video from 1982, and Paul Thompson’s deep dive into Crimson’s Discipline album, and Levin lands at #9.
Peter Gabriel Releases First New Song in 20 Years with Tony Levin
Peter Gabriel has given us the first taste of his new music. “Panopticom” is the first single from his upcoming album, “I/O.” The track is anchored by Gabriel’s longtime bass man, Tony Levin, who delivers some expressive fretless work.
King Crimson: Larks’ Tongues In Aspic (Part II) Live At Fréjus 1982
Bill Bruford drops some incredible videos (and stories). Here’s one with the 80’s King Crimson lineup of Bruford, Robert Fripp, Tony Levin, and Adrian Belew performing “Larks’ Tongues In Aspic (Part II)” live.
Peter Gabriel Releases “i/o” with Tony Levin on Bass
At long last, Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” is available. A decade in the making, Gabriel has been drip-feeding fans new singles during full moons.
From the Bottom: My Favorite Bass Line in 17/16
In his latest episode of “From the Bottom”, Paul Thompson explores one of his favorite tracks from one of his favorite albums: King Crimson’s “Discipline.” Paul discusses Tony Levin’s bass line and how to play in 17/16 with GROOVE!!