Search - Tony Levin :: Pieces of the Sun

Driving and Hypnotic

Carl Johnson | 01/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After years of noting Tony Levin's appearance on just about every disc I owned, it was interesting to first note his appearance as a 'solo' artist. With Jerry Marotta, Larry Fast and Jesse Gress, the Tony Levin Band is truly a super prog-rock-jazz band. Marotta's skins are at times driving or hypnotic. Fast is a genius on keys and their electronic moods, and Gress flies in and around the tunes apparently effortlessly (although we know it can't be both so complex and effortless!). Of course, Levin's use of bass, stick, and cello lead you around by the soul.
The compositions are well balanced to showcase everyone's talents, but in a way that avoids obvious showcasing. Brilliant.
If you get a chance to see this group live - do not miss it"

No peace, but plenty of sun...

09/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reader probably knows Tony from Peter Gabriel's band and King Crimson, and here he steps out on his own with a rousing set that recalls some of the best work of his employers. Apollo itself is a wonderful 3-part opus with Crimsonic mayhem, lilting Yes/Genesis acoustic passages, and a soaring finale that keeps ascending like the morning star itself. The band is in in top form--Jerry Marotta has a perfect balance of solid groove with just enough chops and flair to wow the listener, Larry Fast coats the compositions in lush synth textures that bring the work of Tony Banks to mind, and Jesse Gress (a new face for me) alternately waxes Beck (Jeff Beck!) and Belew as he proves a versatile foil for Levin. Levin himself, as always, is the consummate musician, never unnecessarily flashy, but always very tasty and anchoring his compositions with rock-solid, unbreakable grooves. He gets quite a bit of mileage out of his arsenal including fretless upright, 5-string bass with "funk fingers", and his well-traveled Chapman Stick. Parts of the album recall the synth-laden, pulsating drama of his former employer Peter Gabriel, especially the title track and the "Fifth Man." For me, the high point was the remake of Synergy's "Phobos", which has one of the hookiest odd-time riffs one will ever hear, and features stunning playing from the whole lineup. Amazing, and highly recommended."

Anything He Touches is Good!

Carl Johnson | Detroit, MI United States | 02/20/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This record is growing on me everyday. There is nothing radically different about this prog rock record, but it is solid, well written and performed and sufficiently powerful. Best tune is "The Fifth Man". The writing is very good. The players on the record are all top-notch. This is prog rock that is niether dark nor bright. Extremely well executed! It as something on it for everybody that respects Tony Levin's work` or prog rock in general, Very little vocals. Great spin!"