Tony Levin, the virtuoso bassist who has played with some of music's biggest names over five decades, recently reflected on the most memorable recording sessions of his illustrious career. From Paul Simon to Peter Gabriel, John Lennon to David Bowie, Levin's distinctive bass work has enhanced countless classic recordings.
"For all of us who are freelance musicians," Levin muses, "on a super day we have two great options to choose among, and most days we don't have any good options." Yet his remarkable career suggests otherwise.
When discussing his work on Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" (1975), Levin recalls Simon's unique studio approach. "He sang to me the bass parts he imagined," Levin explains. "He wanted me to be myself but to be influenced by his ideas." The result was a melodic bass line that perfectly served the song.
His work with Peter Gabriel proved career-defining. "I didn't know who he was or even what Genesis was," Levin admits about their first 1977 session. That collaboration led to a decades-long musical partnership and friendship. Through Gabriel, Levin also connected with Robert Fripp, leading to his role in King Crimson.
The 1980 "Double Fantasy" sessions with John Lennon left an indelible impression. Lennon's first words to Levin were characteristically direct: "They tell me you're good. Just don't play too many notes." The sessions alternated between Lennon's straightforward approach and Yoko Ono's more experimental pieces.
A fascinating "what-if" moment came during Pink Floyd's "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" sessions in 1987. Levin had to choose between completing a Peter Gabriel tour or joining Pink Floyd full-time. He stayed with Gabriel, though he sometimes wonders about that alternate path.
The 2003 David Bowie sessions for "The Next Day" were shrouded in such secrecy that Levin couldn't even tell his best friend why he had to miss wedding rehearsals. "I hope you appreciate that and forgive me for not telling you about it," he later explained.
Through it all, Levin maintains his humble perspective, recently completing a nationwide tour with BEAT and releasing his new solo record, "Bringing It Down to the Bass." His journey from Rochester jingle sessions to global stages stands as testament to his extraordinary musical legacy.