Tony Levin, the legendary bassist known for his work with Peter Gabriel and King Crimson, is set to release his seventh solo album, “Bringing It Down to the Bass”, on September 13 via Flatiron Recordings. This highly anticipated release marks his first solo effort since 2007 and promises a unique blend of instrumental prowess, with occasional vocals and spoken word. Check out our review of the album HERE.
“Bringing It Down to the Bass” will be available in a variety of formats, including double vinyl, CD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming, with the Blu-ray offering a high-fidelity experience featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD surround mixes. Immersive audio fans will also be able to enjoy the album on Apple Music in Dolby Atmos, courtesy of Thiago Lima’s expert mixing at Iguana Studios in Toronto.
A deeply personal work, “Bringing It Down to the Bass” serves as a sonic autobiography of Levin’s extensive career, blending genres like prog, jazz, classical, and even thrash. The album showcases not only Levin’s renowned bass playing but also his signature wit and creativity. While the focus is often on the bass, Levin has crafted a diverse musical journey that surprises at every turn, incorporating a wide array of collaborators from his decades-long career. The album is a testament to Levin’s versatility, featuring a variety of instruments and styles that reflect his journey through the world of music.
One of the standout tracks, “On the Drums,” pays homage to the many world-class drummers Levin has worked with over the years. With a playful acapella male chorus, the song name-checks drumming legends like Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, Bill Bruford, and Stewart Copeland, all while giving a nod to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Another track, “Me and My Axe,” sees Levin reunite with Peter Gabriel Band alumni Steve Hunter, Larry Fast, and Jerry Marotta, adding even more depth to this eclectic album. As Levin gears up for a North American tour this fall with BEAT, performing alongside Adrian Belew and Steve Vai, “Bringing It Down to the Bass” offers a fresh perspective on a career that has shaped the sound of modern music.
Sonic Perspectives collaborators Rodrigo Altaf and Scott Medina sat down with Tony for a spirited conversation about his new album the preparations for the upcoming tour with BEAT, the recent tour with Stick Men, and reminisced about some of his legendary studio sessions. Watch or listen to their conversation below, and remember that for more interviews and other daily content, follow us on Facebook, and Flipboard, or subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified about new content we publish daily.