Search - Tony Levin :: Double Espresso

Highly enjoyable for fans of Tony, Gabriel, Genesis and KC

Manny Hernandez | Bay Area, CA | 01/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have enjoyed Tony Levin's two most recent solo works ("Pieces of the Sun" and "Waters of Eden") then this live album will be highly enjoyable, since the track list is taken mostly from them. Now, if you are (like most Levin fans are) a follower of Peter Gabriel, Genesis and/or King Crimson, then there's WAY more to dig in this live production by Tony Levin and the boys (essentially, almost a repeat of the line-up of Peter Gabriel's band from the eighties, with Levin on bass and stick, Jerry Marotta on drums, Larry Fast on keyboards and Jesse Gress on guitars). The song written by Peter Gabriel "Dog One" is featured live, on disc 1 and even Led Zeppelin fans get a bonus, with an incredible rendition of the Zep classic, "Black Dog," but even better are the songs on disc 2, where "Phobos" by Larry Fast is featured, along with (YESSSS!!!) an amazing version of the 1974 song "Back in NYC," from the last album Genesis recorded with Peter Gabriel. This song became a classic performance with Gabriel and his band in his early solo years, before 1980.King Crimson fans are up for an exquisite couple of songs from the band's 80's work: "Sleepless" (disc1) and "Elephant Talk," both of which are impeccable. Finally, California Guitar Trio, joins the band for a magnificent version of the Henry Mancini classic "Peter Gunn" that was made even more popular by Emerson, Lake and Palmer in the seventies. Closing the second disc is my favorite recent song by Tony Levin, but with a twist: "Belle," with Pete Levin on keyboards and Tony playing some of the most exquisite jazz bass you will hear around. So, who can ask for more? For someone who saw Tony Levin during his concert in Phoenix in 2000, this was a very rewarding addition to my collection: he's a gentleman on and off the stage, who opens up to his fans and is willing to devote time to them. Tony: we salute you, and thanks for putting this double-album together for us!"

Levin & Co. Live = Double Espresso

D. L. Worthing | Arundel, Maine United States | 11/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new two disc by bass virtuoso Tony Levin and his band is one of the best live recordings I've heard in a long time.
The King Crimson, Peter Gabriel bass veteran and his talented band; keyboardist Larry Fast, guitarist Jerry Gress and drummer Jerry Marotta put out an unbelievably tight sound in concert and their no slouches in the studio either.
The disc was recorded live at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York (with the exception of great cover of Peter Gunn, which was recorded in St. Louis). Most of the live tracks were off of Levin's two solo projects; "Waters of Eden" and "pieces of the sun". The band covers two King Crimson tracks; "Elephant Talk" and Sleepless and also does an outstanding rendition of Genesis' "Back in NYC" with Marotta doing an excellent job on vocals.
The band's sound live is phenominal. Buying this disc and listening to this very talented band makes me want to go out and see them live. Get this disc!"

Tony's Best Solo Cd Yet!

matkudasai | Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom | 11/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say. This is the best release yet from Tony in solo mode. Actually strictly speaking this isn't solo in the sense that Tony has assembled a phenomenal band of musicians to play this material including Jesse Gress on guitars and fellow Peter Gabriel band members Jerry Marotta on Drums and some vocals and Larry Fast on Keyboards. As you can see from the list of song titles most of the set comes from his last two CDs Pieces of the Sun and Waters of Eden. The performances of these songs are infinitely better than the originals propelled by the crowd's enthusiasm and band synergy. In addition to these truly smoking performances, their are great versions of Genesis' Back in NYC and King Crimson's Sleepless and Elephant Talk with Jerry Marotta not only supplying brilliant drumming but a terrific vocal for Back in NYC. If you're going to by a solo release by Levin make it this!"