Bozzio Levin Stevens

Black Light Syndrome

(c)(p)1997 Magna Carta

Review by Vladimir Levin

Thanks to Magna Carta for the CD

Bozzio Levin Stevens comes to us from a label called Magna Carta which specializes in progressive rock. Black Light Syndrome is an experimental effort produced by Terry Bozzio on drums, Tony Levin on Bass and Steve Stevens on guitars. On reading the story printed on the inside sleeve of the CD, I found out that this recording had been suggested by Terry's manager as a "name rock instrumental collaboration" to enable Terry to "make money over the winter". So they recruited Steve Stevens who had worked with Billy Idol, Michael Jackson and The Atomic Playboys and is also responsible for the sound tracks for movies such as Big and Top Gun, and Tony Levin who is known for his work with Peter Gabriel and King Crimson. Bozzio himself has played in the band Missing Persons and has been involved in projects with Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck and the Brecker Brothers.

Once the lineup for this project was formed, the process of the project was defined as "unconditional acceptance of all members' ideas -- to spontaneously compose in an improvisational manner..." In fact the recording process took just 4 days before the artists on this project went their separate ways to their busy schedules! I must say that the pedigree of the artists on this CD hardly suggests a review in a magazine devoted to Hard, Heavy and Dark music such as TOC, yet on listening to Black Light Syndrome I found myself enjoying it quite a lot. While it is certainly not "Metal," I think the adjective "dark" applies reasonably well to this eclectic free-associative mixture of genres. The strongest element on this CD is the guitar sound which displays true technical virtuosity and ranges from rock-n-roll solos to flamenco to rockabilly and a kind of bluesy senesibility. The drumming and bass are also impeccable. The 7 songs on this CD are all quite long (8 minutes or so on average) and reflect a harmonious blend of ideas. It's quite impressive to hear three artists unleash their talents in a live, improvised recording that was recorded over the span of just 4 days -- and for the production to turn out so rich and pure. Overall this recording is a laid-back, enjoyable listen for any fan of highly technical instrumental rock/guitar music.

Back to Index