BRUFORD LEVIN UPPER EXTREMITIES

How Tony Levin has been able to maintain such enthusiasm, creativity, acitivity, vibrancy, and busy-ness for over 35 years is a true testament to this man's love for music. And he as much as any other modern musician has constantly, aggressively tested the boundaries of his instrument (the 'bass'). Though "B.L.U.E." feels very familiar--KING CRIMSON with some EARTHWORKS--there is a lot of masterful music here. A lot of older themes and sonic rhythms and textures are here explored further or differently. The contributions of David Torn and Chris Botti are wonderful, but it is Levin who continuously draws the listener in. Have you ever seen this man in concert? Even in King Crimson it was always him I was drawn back to watching--so astounded was I that so many sounds were coming from his instrument, so amazing were his personal contributions to the polyrhythms and polyphonics of that band. (Besides, I myself played Chapman Stick for a while.) "B.L.U.E" is an excellent album--perhaps not as highly emotional nor as melodic as some like, but, as for an exhibition of mastery and progressive exploration of musical possibilities, this is a good one.

4 stars--excellent addition to any prog lover's music collection.