Tony Levin, "Waters of Eden" (CD review)

     When your name is Tony Levin, you have nothing left to prove in the field of music.  A professional bassist for over thirty years, Tony has recorded and toured with such legendary names as King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, John Lennon, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, and Yes.  He has also become a noteworthy name within modern “prog” circles with his collaborative work in both “Bozzio Levin Stevens” (with Terry Bozzio and Steve Stevens) and ”Liquid Tension Experiment” (with John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, and Jordan Rudess).  However, for all his technical prowess, his latest recording, “Waters of Eden” (Narada 2000) Tony shows what it really takes to make a song memorable – melody, and not speed.

     “Waters of Eden” finds Tony assembling a virtual “who’s who” in professional music circles, such as drummer Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel), keyboardist David Sancious (Sting), and the “California Guitar Trio” to breathe life into his music, with the result being a smooth, cohesive recording of veteran professionals.  Tony himself takes on the daunting task of session leader, playing most of the album’s melodies on his array of fretted and fretless basses, electric upright bass, and electric cello.  You don’t hear electric bass take a forward role on most recordings, but after listening to this, you’ll wonder why not.    

     On such songs as the opening cut “Bone & Flesh,” independent cello and keyboard lines meld into one cohesive melody, harmonize, split, and harmonize once again an octave above the original, creating a tension held by the pulse of a consistent bass drum beat.  This tension is released with the onset of guest David Torn’s guitar lines, signaling a change in mood brought about by Marotta’s cymbal-less “tribal” drum beat, leading into a dual drum and electric bass solo.  Perhaps solo isn’t the right word, as it brings to mind a flurry of notes and reckless speed.  Levin simply locks a chordal bassline to Marotta’s effective tom work.  The result is a song in which each individual instrument can hold your attention, and yet stand together without clashing. 

     Other standout pieces include the title track, in which the piano and keyboard work of David Sancious provides the backing for Levin’s singingly melodic fretless bass and cello work, doubled by the acoustic guitars of the “California Guitar Trio.”  “Gecko Walk” is another track that catches the listener’s attention immediately with the sauntering synth line that provided the song its title, as well as the doubling and harmonization of Levin’s playing with guitarist Jeff Pevar’s lines.  “Utopia,” the album closer, blossoms into a song reminiscent of Pink Floyd without falling into the too-easy trap of caricature.  Special mention must be made of the duet between Levin and keyboardist brother Peter, whose track “Belle” is a touching tribute to their mother.

     I’m not a fan of grading art on a scale of numbers or letters.  If a piece of work has touched even one person, than it cannot be denied its worth.  Needless to say, this album has indeed touched me.  It may not be the music that fans of Tony’s work with King Crimson and Liquid Tension Experiment were expecting, but it certainly is a recording that fans of true melody and passion will appreciate… and who thought a solo album primarily built around electric bass could be so attention grabbing?

- Ian Perge, for Musicians Planet.com

Visit Tony’s website for more information on his current follow-up to “Waters of Eden”, entitled "Pieces of the Sun”, as well as information on his vast recording and touring experiences (including his vast discography), his “Coffee Corner,” which shows his devotion to espresso (he carries a custom-made espresso rack case on tour), and information on ordering other Tony Levin-related products such as his wonderful book, “Beyond the Bass Clef."