Tony Levin - Stick Man (2007)

Tony Levin is one of those few bassists that made it as household names. Throughout his work with legends such as PETER GABRIEL, KING CRIMSON, ALICE COOPER and his numerous side projects, he established himself as one of the true pioneers of the instrument. He has always pushed the melodic boundaries of his instrument.

Born on June 6, 1946, ''Papa bear'' started his musical education at the age of 10, with an upright bass. The bass was not his only instrument, as he played also tuba for his high school band. After studying at the Eastman School of Music, he tried classical music with the Rochester Philharmonic, but understood he was more into jazz and rock. The 70's were starting, and the possibilities were infinite for a musician as talented as he was.

He appeared as a studio artist with LOU REED, ALICE COOPER, JEAN-PIERRE FERLAND, and finally PETER GABRIEL with whom he still is. While with Gabriel, he also masterised another instrument that is now automatically linked to him, the Chapman Stick. The 80's were also full of projects for him, including his stint with King Crimson, with whom he would stay for about two decades.

1996 saw his first solo album, ''The world diary'', wich is still seen by critics as his best effort. Some of his side projects include B.L.U.E (Bruford Levin Upper Extremities) with fellow Crimson memeber Bill Bruford, and LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT with 3 current members of Dream Theater, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess and Mike Portnoy. In the 2000's Levin released ''Waters of Eden''(2000), ''Pieces of the sun''(2001), and ''Double Expresso''(2002), all on his own label, Narada.