Bass Albums That Changed Music. Ep1. Tony Levin / Peter Gabriel
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2024
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In today’s video Ian Allison takes an in-depth look at Peter Gabriel’s 1986 record, So. Released on 19th May 1986, the album captured some of Tony Levin’s most memorable bass lines including his multi-part line on Don’t Give Up, and his slick, fretless fills on the lead single, Sledgehammer.
We’ve also put together a free workbook for you to download, which contains tab and notation for every bass line that Ian features in the video. From Red Rain and Mercy Street to Sledgehammer and Big Time.
In this lesson you’ll learn:
- How to recreate Tony Levin’s monster bass tone.
- Why Tony shoved one of his daughter’s diapers under his bass strings.
- His system of hitting the strings with drum sticks (wait for it!)
- And much more!
As always, see you in the shed…
Scott :)
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35 years later and the So album still reminds me just how great music can be. What a breathtaking artistic accomplishment that album is.
True that!!!
A Masterpiece all the way through!!!
I agree, it was his best album but Security and Up were both outstanding.
Well put, Sith meister!!
Totally agree
Ehh kinda pretentious music. Im here for tony licks
In regards to the creative environment that Peter Gabriel allowed, Peter has always been, and remains, a strong proponent of inventiveness in music. It's one of the reasons he is a legend and works with legends like Tony.
Tony Levin - genius, so creative and never imposes himself of the music - but despite that is so influential
When I try to describe Tony Levin's playing I always think he comes up with a line, then starts pulling notes out to create space. One of the most recognizable bassists I've ever heard.
🔥🔥🔥
You could seriously do a whole series just on Tony Levin albums.
Check out Tone11 on Andy Summers "World Gone Strange" or "Steps Ahead"... the tune STICK JAM... is very cool!
No joke.
For real! But MAN the guy is so fucking inspirational one is be favourites. Have you heard the stuff he did with Bozzio Levin Stevens?
@@hetul784 Are you kidding? Those are two of my favorite albums : D
@@gringochucha AYYYYYY!!!! I fucking love what he did
Peter Gabriel one of the most creative musical geniuses in modern times.
Sledgehammer bass line gives me goose bumps every time! Absolute class! That whole track is an absolute masterpiece in every way.
I was very fortunate to work with Tony on the YES Union album. Aside from being the most ridiculous badass on anything resembling a bass, he is also quite simply one of the nicest humans I have ever met. I particularly liked when he was strapping cut off pieces of 2B drumsticks to his middle and index fingers to smack the strings! So great, you're the best Tony!
My band was recording at Bearsville in Woodstock NY back in 89 and there were some technical issues with both my 78 stingray and my 60 P-Bass. The staff at B-ville started reaching out to the locals for a loner bass so we could continue while my bases we being fixed.we were able to get a very early Steinberger and one of Tony's StingRays. I was so greatful and the session was able to continue. It was such a honor just to hold one of my favorite bass players basses. The next day my basses were fixed and the sessions continued.
I met Tony one other time a super nice guy and an incredible bass player.
Incredible!
Great story. Bass players union etc.
Didn't they do some music clinics there somewhere before, the actual KC members?
@@IanMartinAllison Ya think? I wonder where he cut and paste the story from.
King Crimson ‘discipline’ is the game changer
that is 100% true for musicians and aficionados. Gabriel’s record put Levin in the ears of millions who absorbed it without thinking... a very different kind of influence.
Changed my life, that's for certain.
@Ben Dover it’s simplicity is incredible but sleepless is so amazing
This was a game changer for music in general, not just bass playing. Fripp and Belew are incredible intertwining with one another.
@@LenProbert got my fragile egg shelled 14 year old mind blown that’s for sure
I'm blown away hearing this music again and realizing how incredible it is and the unmatched talent of Tony Levin. His creative bass lines are definitely the secret sauce to the "So" album.
Tony Levin... what a talent! Saw him with Crimson, Gabriel, Yes, and even heard him lay down the jazz with Gary Burton. A true professional!
Ian, if someone ever asks me “is playing bass fun?” - I would just point them to this video. Brilliant once again! 👍👍👍
ITS SO FUN
Who is this bassist? It’s not “ Scott “. This guys is easier to follow !😀
czcams.com/video/KfFBdViZHzk/video.html Check 1:47 👈
@@martinheath5947 THIS IS INSANE!!
@@monthpython Ian Allison
Tony Levin is such a monster. His work with King Crimson is even more unreal! T Lev with KC is actually the reason I picked up bass originally!
I'm fairly new to bass and Tony is also the reason I picked up bass!
I first discovered him in "Starless live" video, he just looked so cool and the bass sounded so good and clear, first time I'd ever noticed and it was love at first sight, so a couple of months later I had to buy one lol
Tony Levin with CGT is no joke either.
I'm picking up my first Bass guitar tomorrow-and yes, it's all down to Tony Levin!
He's why I bought a chapman stick, though I play an 8 string Warr guitar now..
That’s the best reason to start bass. But I mean guys like Tony levin, guy Pratt or Lee Sklar are the kings from second row. The guys you call when you need the job has to be done right? :)
Quite seriously, I had no idea about Tony Levin's unique sound. I am now a fan of Tony Levin! For many many years in guitar, I've transitioned to bass in my cover band - this has opened my eyes and gained a greater appreciation for this creative melodic approach. Thank you kindly!
Dude, you are not only a great bass player but a GREAT communicator! Amazing work!
I've know personally Tony, when he came to my hometown (Padova, Italy) maaaaany years ago, to attend a very particular musical event. A 45-hour long session of improvisation, with no interruptions! (You could swap musicians on stage, of course, as long as the music never stopped!).
He was a true gentleman, easygoing and fun. When he saw me arriving with an upright he asked me if he could borrow it but after he tried it a bit he said "nah, way too many years that I haven't been practicing it" and gave it back to me. No problems whatsoever in admitting he was out of shape (on that particular instrument... on the electric bass he just KILLED and yes, he had his "funk fingers" with him!) Oh, and at one point, waaay into the wee hours, he even did some meditation, on stage!
I second all of the above: the last I saw TL live was a couple years ago at a small gig in a club, 500 people tops, with Stick Men (him, Pat Mastelotto and Markus Reuter) -- at the end they would pack up and unload the stage on their own and stayed on signing stuff and having a chat and taking pictures and just chilling until every single audience member was happily on their way home. A true example of professionalism and a gentleman.
p.s. @alessandro arcuri: GIAO!
Hey Alessandro! That sounds absolutely AMAZING man! 45 hour long improvisation! Whens the next one? and why is there not more events like the one you mentioned. I love hearing stories like this. hank you for sharing that.
@@rocknrollrecovery7402 unfortunately they only did two of those events (the other one featured Pat Mastelotto on drums) then times changed, venues did not want to risk too much anymore and those cool happenings kinda faded out. Sad!
I wish I had discovered Tony earlier. It must be a privilege to know him and experience these kinds of things. My mom would say... "Cose da sbalordire".
You sure you don’t mean 45 minutes? 45 hours is a little under two days
Tony Levin is arguably one of the most influential and creative bass players in the last 50 years or so.... I love his sound, I love his groove and his immense sense of melody... and the guy looks so cool... so relaxed... Thank you so much for sharing all this stuff... and, by the way, I agree with CrazJay2... you are a great add to SBL... I like so much the way you teach things and how relaxed you are... Cheers from Switzerland...
Cheers Felix!
You got to check him out on liquid tension experiment
@@TheGreenpig1 thanks... I will, for sure...
Percy Jones and of course Mick Karn also come to mind ... ;-)
SO MUCH excellence on this album: the writing, the playing, the production and of course, Peter's wonderful vocals
Dream video. Any breakdown of “So” is appreciated, but bass specific is just icing on top...
Tony Levin - The Bass Master. I loved his playing with the great Peter Gabriel on this classic 1986 album and I still love it (and his playing) in 2020.🌞🙏🇬🇧🌞
Also his work with ABWH.
1. Tony Levin is one of my greatest bass heroes of all time. An absolute master of "saying it all with a single note". He uses space like absolutely no one else, and whenever he decides to add a note or two, that space makes them jump out - but they are always the right ones (although not necessarily the ones you'd expect ;-)). Those double stops near the end of Red Rain - HOLY SHIT, they always give me goosebumps. His playing is simply beautiful. I love it.
2. I truly believe those glisses in Mercy Street were played on a fretless. But the bottom end might have been a fiver. And remember that 5-strings have been around since 1975 when Jimmy Johnson (another fantastic, criminally underrated player!) had the wizards at Alembic build him one. But yes, I think the BB5000 might have been the first production model - although custom jobs had been made before.
3. THAT FRETLESS MUSICIAN OF YOURS!!! It's my no. 2 dream fretless (after a Wal, but those things cost an arm, a leg, a lung and half a brain). Apart from its sound, the Ibanez Musician with that symmetrical Alembic-inspired headstock is probably the most beautiful bass ever. DO WANT.
Ian, that bass sound you got there, especially during Hear That Voice Again, is the sickest I have heard in a good while.
This album is up there with the best there is, and Tony’s bass playing is a huge part of what makes that so.
Was about to say the same. Although the album 'So' is a masterpiece with so, so many guests. Tony is one of the few who were on every track, and made a huge effect in the 'sound' of this album to be one of the all time greats.
Ian is by far the best. This guy can keep you reeled in for hours!
Tony’s one of my all-time favourite bass players. From his work with Paul Simon & Peter Gabriel, to King Crimson & Stickmen, he’s just so incredibly versatile & creative.
I love the way you explained the riff in terms of the scale that it sits in. That was perfect.
"So" is a masterpiece.
I LOVE the sound of tone of a fretless bass guitar with a compressor, chorus and octave divider (an even blend of all three on all the time) and the use of a pick or my fingers.
Your passion, talent and enthusiasm are infectious.
Great video! Tony Levin is a true genius! I love his reply to the question in an interview many years ago: Interviewer: -Is it not boring sometimes to play repetitive bass lines? Levin: I´m a bass player. I like playing the same thing over and over again... I think most of us can identify with that.
Love that this was the first suggested result when I was randomly searching random performances of Big Time ;)
As a drummer, you always want to play with a killer bass player. And man, it doesn’t get better than TLev.
Legendary Levin - so absolutely essential to that Gabriel sound, and your appreciation, analysis and enthusiasm for it takes this upload to a different level. Thank you,
A Breakthrough album as well as my introduction to Tony Levin. Excellent lesson and exciting way of describing the songs. Great video and production Ian, thanks man!
I JUST downloaded So last week to listen to while working in the garage and was immediately struck by the bass lines in this album. What a treat to find your video tonight. Thanks for shedding some light (and TABS) on this subject.
"So" was one of my first purchases on CD when I got my first CD player in 1987.
I had So as both the remastered cd and the vinyl lp and I compared both on my hi-fi. If you can ignore some snap crackle and pop the vinyl version has a lot more warmth and dynamics imo.
Listen to Tony Levin's playing on "Discipline" King Crimson album (1981), fantastic job !
he played on beat and three of a perfect pair also of king crimson
@@kokanee2010a Best Crimson version those three albums
Incredible...I was not ready for the Cusack deep fake. Legendary
My favorite bass player. Thanks for posting!
Great vid. But I just gotta say that you have been SUCH a great add to SBL! You have swiftly become my favorite Bass CZcamsr (sorry, Scott, love you bro), and instagram musician. Dig your joyous vibe. Seeing you loving being a bassist, makes me love being a bassist even more. Keep killing it my dude, I'm down for the ride.
Really appreciate the encouragement Jay! 🙏🏼❤️
Check out johnny Lee long also!! Such a great guy!!!
@@IanMartinAllison Ian is that stinger a dropped copper color? Thats the exact one I have an 04 even with the white pickup
Back in college I used to play Sledgehammer with my band, this video brought so many memories back!
Just found your channel... I'm a 43 year old bassist, I am proud to say I started on bass and remember loving Sledge Hammer particularly because of the bass (still one of my favorite bass lines ever!!). I remember thinking that the baseline must be a rubber band or something other than a bass guitar...
Thanks for this. Tony is the reason I play bass. His work on the King Crimson albums were mind blowing as well. I loved how essential he was on the Gabriel albums as well.
I'm really digging the videos with Ian. Such a great addition to the SBL team! Thanks for this lesson, too.
Tony Levin is INSANELY underrated
He isn't there for fame and flattery.
King Crimson in general is under played.
They're closer to jazz musicians in their persuit of music.
Most great musicians are!
From who?
Underrated??!!! .... Check your music education please.
Underrated by people who’s ratings you respect?
As a drummer who frequently thinks of bass players as utilitarian, I watched this video with great joy. I’d always considered Levin an anomaly, but didn’t otherwise give his work much attention - except as a contributor to the genius of Peter Gabriel. Well, this video puts a finer point on the brilliance I’ve always heard in So - one of my favourite albums of all time.
So, thank you! Your fresh exuberance makes it even more fun to explore.
I love hearing you tapping on your bass for "That Voice Again". I am going to have to try that. I was very fortunate to see Peter Gabriel in 1983 in a small club in Dallas, TX called The Agora. I was 5 feet away from Tony and as a bass player I was in heaven. Watching him play "Shock the Monkey" was amazing. Thanks for your lessons!
Incredible! Shock the Monkey is the JAMM
It was an amazing experience to grow up in the 80s and graduate in '86. Don't forget Pino, Sting, and Mark King. Such great musicians. Cheers.
Class of '86 Heck Yeah! I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Ian you are quickly becoming one of my favorite teachers and inspiration. Scott sure knows how to pick talent. This 15 minutes was just so uplifting, entertaining and educational for me. I am going to buy this album and even tho I have only been playing bass for three months (I signed up for SBL just over three months ago) I am going to tackle some of this. You're very good at your job and your joy for music cannot be any more inspiring. That kind of passion cannot be faked. Thank you, sir.
Big Scotty! Thanks u man. Seriously this record is a tour de FORCE of bass playing, 80s pop production and songwriting. It’s in my top 3 albums of ALL TIME.
Amazing the sound of bass in "That Voice Again"!!!
I remember Robert Fripp saying about Tony Levin that every night they play (King Crimson) Tony surprises him, as he never play the same thing.
Thank You. I like Your presentation a lot.
This album is, for me, one of the 10 best ever...
You are not alone
We are not alone
I agree. the whole album it's like a flow you can't interrupt. probably the top reached by PG.
Agreed. A masterpiece.
This series by Ian is excellent. I love how he explains the pedals, basses and techniques the players use to get their tones.
So happy Tony has been appreciated by you. He's one of a kind.
Tony Levin once played my 1983 StingRay at a night jam, then I played his head as a bongo (actually, I believe it was vice-versa from one day to the next). He also shot a photo of me as Frank “Shrank” Zappa flipping off the camera. August 2016 @ Full Moon Resort in the Catskills, NY.
That`s super wholesome
I saw that tour. I was 16 years old, maybe 17. My girlfriend and I were on acid, we were exuberant and so high. We snuck down from the nosebleeds to the front row. A lot of people were standing there, no one was sitting. Tony and Peter were both bald for that tour. They were right in front of us. I was in awe, i looked to my right at Antonia and our eyes met and we smiled wide at one another in the knowing that this moment was really amazing and heightened and we were fully experiencing it. Then Peter looked over at us, like right at us and smiled and so did Tony. We all smiled together. We were all united in that instance, really. Peter Gabriel was Antonias favourite band at that time. I'm a guitar player also so very guitar-o-centric myself though i'd only been playing for a few years at that time. Feeling pretty blessed to have experienced that.
I had a similar experience but it was camel and mushrooms haha
Tony has been my favorite bass player since I heard him in the early 80's. His abilities and innovation are second to none. Many great bass players out there but only one Tony Levin. The Maestro of all things bass. Great job Ian.
Maaan, I didn't hear this album for so long... It always takes me back to my parents' house, it's probably the favourite album of my fathers.
Damn, Ian Allison is such a fantastic player & instructor! This video was like butter, so smooth & illuminating. I've heard SO's songs so many years, and just fascinating to see this bass breakdown!
Tony Levin is one of the all time greatest bass players. So brilliant and creative. Great video!
I've listened to this album so many times over the years, but I never really paid that much attention to the bass before. Thanks for making me really notice it, and helping me to appreciate Tony all the more.
I could listen to you talk about your love of bass all day long,
This vid was so much fun! This album changed my life. It's one of the greatest moments in music history!
Scott really digs in and explains what he has learned from these advanced and highly creative players. Then he puts it in layman's terms so us dummies at the bottom can halfway understand it and the really good ones learn something new to add to their repertoire. Thanks Scott. Your a great player and great human!
This is not scott, scott is a british dude, this is ian
Awesome !! - Steward Coopeland on drums in Big Time !!
On the hi hat! Good catch.
Tony Levin is an extraordinary bassist and stick player! I cannot even name all of the bands he's played in over his career. They are quite numerous! I was lucky to see him with ABWH, Peter Gabriel and King Crimson. I'd love to have seen Bozzio Levin Stevens. Tony is truly in a league of his own. Thanks for honoring him and, hopefully, introducing him to younger generations.
Chuck Mangione
@@JerryT21 - Wow! I didn't even know that! Which album(s)?
John and Yoko, Double Fantasy
I'm lucky (and old) enough to see and listen live Tony levin with Peter Gabriel. unforgettable. probably the best gig I ever attended. no u2, no stones, no Depeche Mode. sorry guys ;-)
Ian, you are DA MAAAN....!!
I’ve just picked up my bass rejoining a band after a 12 year sabbatical.. (CZcams wasn’t around back then..!🤔), and I gotta say, you are a pleasure to watch. Your passion is contagious, you are indeed an incredible communicator, people person, mentor, trainer and all round great guy..
I’m lookin forward to watching and learning more from you.. 😎👍🏼
This was beautifully done. Thank you for breaking out these magical parts. Such a massive element of what makes these songs so brilliant. Always faves of mine too. Fantastic musicianship by you as well. 😊🙏
I'm so happy that I happened on to this video! Peter Gabriel's album, "So" is simply wonderful! Thank you, Scott, for sharing your insights on the legendary artistry of Tony Levin, as well as the music of Peter Gabriel. I truly enjoyed this!
You captured the joy in bass playing - I believe that what we are feeling comes out in the recording- you rock and you are helpful, humble and grateful for the knowledge passed on to you. Thank you from this old 71 year old bass player. 👍
Epic, epic, epic player! Love Tony - the man is so incredible and the perfect match for Peter.
ah, man, I love Ian! and Tony! and Scott! got a lotta love in me today!
None better than Tony.
Upright,stick,basses,four octave vocal range,untouchable musicality,THE TONE,and his discography...
He simply rules.
AND one of the nicest world class musicians I’ve ever chatted with.
Great work on the video ⚡️🙏🏽⚡️
This is such a revelation on an iconic album, the soundtrack of the 80s.
Really exciting and influential ❤️
I feel like he's been waiting ten years to make this video. I had noticed the bass in Your Eyes, but the rest of this was a deep dive for me. Thanks, SBL
Tony's work with Peter Gabriel has always been magical. What I really like about his playing is his restraint. He knows that not only does he not have to play a million notes - he knows the music is *better* if he doesn't. He plays just what the music needs. That's why he's always been one of the most in-demand session musicians. I've seen him a few times with King Crimson… will finally get to see him with Peter Gabriel in October. I can't wait!
It's awesome to see him go wild in Liquid tension though! Such a talented player and one of my bass idols!
This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE Scott’s Bass Lesson videos! Definitely keep these kinds of videos coming.
That was a great album to review the bass work on.
Tony is a god ! the so album is his greatest session. And this fella showing these lines is terrific. Thank you to both
Ian, great job! Your enthusiasm is contagious and you seem to genuinely love not only the music on the album, but also sharing and teaching. Keep up the good work!!
It's so satisfying watching people like this man talking about something he loves and feels mostly hyped.
Melt and Security are also Levin masterpieces, as is Scratch. Not to mention his playing on Exposure by Fripp. Breathless is one of his finest moments.
Very cool video on this giant called Tony Levin.. I've got the SO LP and it's one of my most precious things. It's worth recalling the incredible performance by Manu Katche on the drums..
Tony has played with with every one!!! And his sound and style is so destinct that you always knows within a bar know its him playing
The production value on these videos just continues to go up.
Man this was an awesome video , not only are you super entertaining but the content was so educational as well, I’m looking forward towards new videos on this series
Thanks a lot Ian. I’m a massive fan of Peter Gabriel especially “SO” which is legendary. I really believe these are what masterpieces are made of & I still listen to it a lot when I’m driving. But Now you’ve given me additional reasons to listen to it even more. Tony & Larry really play a big part of the success of So.
Peter Gabriel for me is one of the greatest artists in all of music. I love those recording session tales that you’ve shared because this album still intrigues & mesmerizes me every time. I can’t shake it. So thanks !
I didn’t know ANY of this!!! Loved it!
This lesson has blown my mind. I had no idea such sound could come from a bass! Seriously, I'm watching Scott teach and my mouth is just hanging open!
Tony levin is so genius. This album is great and his playing on secret world live is superb
Great video! The bass sounds on that album are such an essential part of the overall sound of the record and what makes it still a big favourite of mine after all these years.
My favourite album of all time. During lockdown I’ve collaborated with a bunch of of über talented musicians online and, so far, we’ve produced two songs, both from So: In Your Eyes and Don’t Give Up. I couldn’t be happier with the those choices.
Ian's energy and enthusiasm is infectious. FANTASTIC>
Love Tony Levin
Thanks for sharing 👍
Tony Levin....my absolut basshero
Ian my brother !!! You’ve just revealed golden nuggets on one of my favorite artist and albums. Especially the drum stick finger dooo hickey extensions ... that’s genius !!! I’m a novice bass player at 61 years of age and have always admired many great bassist of all music genres. My ears gravitate towards what the bass player is doing when listening to the song playing. But I get my few moments in sporadically. I’m subscribed to this channel since I came across Scott. God bless him and his family and all of you “family members “ who contribute in bringing your love, experience and knowledge to all out here who love the bass !!! Thank you !!!
I'm a guitar player and I love watching these videos