Join us for an engaging conversation on the Chiaroscuro Jazz Podcast as George Graham, the Director of Artistry and Repertoire at Chiaroscuro Records, sits down with bass extrordinaire Tony Levin.
About Tony Levin
Boston native Tony Levin is the bottom line in modern day bass players in jazz and progressive rock. Rolling Stone named him One of the Top 50 Bass Players of All Time. He grew up in Brookline, MA before moving to Rochester to study at the famed Eastman School of Music, where he met and began a lifelong collaboration with a young Steve Gadd. Both would later be inducted into the Rochester Hall of Fame, class of 2018.
His life in jazz began early and blossomed quickly with a move to New York City. He began as a session plater and quickly rose through the rough and tumble ranks to record with the greatest of his time: John Lennon (Double Fantasy), Paul Simon, David Bowie, Yes, Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren, James Taylor, Byran Ferry and Robbie Robertson. He appears in the Paul Simon movie One Trick Pony.
The longtime King Crimson member tours with Peter Gabriel and famously played bass on his iconic hits “Sledge Hammer” and “Bigtime.” He is also credited with making the Chapman Stick a famous instrument with his bother Pete Levin with their Stick Men project.
As at home with Paul McCartney, King Crimson and Buddy Rich as he is with Mike Mainieri, Warren Bernhardt, former Mother of Invention Don Preston and David Spinozza, Tony Levin is a bass force for all ages. Sit back and enjoy his step-by-step story from struggle to stardom and making it in the big city and beyond!
About The Chiaroscuro Podcast
Chiaroscuro Director of Artistry & Repertoire George Graham produces and hosts The Chiaroscuro Podcast. Explore the works of other Chiaroscuro performers in our Artists Section. Check out other episodes of the Chiaroscuro Podcast here.
