Every bassist should own this album!
Erik S. Norman | Sandwich, IL United States | 11/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a huge fan of Tony Levin since I started listening to King Crimson and Peter Gabriel. I feel that he is one of the most talented bassist currently on the planet. His performances on this CD are only further credit to his genius. I got TL's Waters of Eden before I got this one. I liked Waters of Eden a great deal, but I was totally unprepared for the sheer brilliance of this release. Waters of Eden has more of a smooth pollished feel, which almost comes off as sounding like elevator music sometime. This album is comprised almost completely of duets that Tony did in the mid ninetys. Guests on the album include Bill Bruford, who plays some excellent percussion (especially on the song "Jewels"), Brian Yamakoshi, who provides some airy koto to a couple songs, and Levon Minassian, whose Doudouk (an Armenian double-reed instrument) is soaring and beautiful, and combined with Levins bowed bass, makes for one of the strongest tracks on the album, "Mingled Roots". Some other album highlights include "Heat" which sounds paranoid and tense and is a nice change of pace from the rather relaxed vibe on the rest of the album. Also, "I Cry to the Dolphined Sea" is a moving song with Bendik on Saxophone and Jerry Marotta on drums. Tony is playing this melody on a distorted stick that brings me to tears. Overall, if you like ethernally beautiful and experimentally creative music, this is the album for you, 'nuff said!"
Virtuoso + Melody + Eclecticism = Excellent!!
Noah Green | New York, NY USA | 02/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tony Levin is one of rock's greatest living bass players. On this record, he collaborates with musicians from around the world, showcasing his ability to blend with other musical styles while still making musical statements of his own. He also plays a lot of Stick, the electronic guitar/bass hybrid he made famous.
Many of the musicians Levin plays with are people he got to know through his work with Peter Gabriel. So there is a real "world music" vibe to this instrumental record. It's one of those rare albums that is intellectually and artistically challenging, yet does not punish the listener. It is warm, cerebral, and pleasurable. It will appeal to listeners of all genres, and really open their minds and ears."
Unbelievable
Noah Green | 05/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is one of, if not the finest album Ive ever heard. has great spacial qualities, amazing techniques, and master artistry. One of the first albums Ive found to really make "world" music approachable, since most instruments used arent of the western culture, it adds a certain purity to it. A MUST BUY."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1