Tony Levin at the mac, Birmingham, on 9 October 2010 (Picture: Russ Escritt)
I have just heard the very sad news that drummer Tony Levin died earlier today. This is a great loss not only for jazz in the West Midlands and in Britain but for jazz in general.
I was privileged to be able to talk with Tony just before his 70th Birthday Tour, organised by Birmingham Jazz.
That conversation is recorded here.
Categories: News
thejazzbreakfast 
One of the most inspiring musicians I ever met and a great presence in UK jazz and improvised music. I’ve never seen anybody – even musicians 50 years his junior – get close to his energy and commitment when he played, right up to the last time I saw him. Thanks to him for bringing so much to the Birmingham scene.
You can now post messages and photos etc. on The Tony Levin Memorial Page to share with family, friends and colleagues.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tony-Levin-Memorial-Page/109288289146261?v=wall
Just heard of Tony’s passing from Ali Hurand in Germany. I have had the pleasure of knowing Tony for over 25+ years and could not ask for a nicer man as a friend in music. Fabulous, inspiring and improvisational drummer who has contributed so much to the development of Jazz in the UK on an art level and with grass roots.
He played at my old venue The Albert in Bristol many times and especially remembered with Mujician (Keith, Paul D & Paul R). Great to have him play at Jazz@ Future Inns as recently as Oct’o9 with Ali & The European Jazz Quintet.
On behalf of all who knew and loved Tony in Bristol, I pass on our best wishes to his wife, Chris and family and all the musicians he played with over the years.
Cheers Tony and thanks mate!
Ian Storror
storror.albertjazz@talk21.com
I would like to pay my respects in person and would be grateful to anyone who can keep me appraised of funeral arrangements.
The Family have asked me to pass on the following information.
The Funeral of the late Tony Levin will take place on the 22nd Feb,
2011 at 3:20 at the Emstrey Crematorium, London Road,
Shrewsbury, SY2 6PS.
Phone 01743 281 181, 01743 256221
Emstrey Crematorium is located on the London Road on the eastern edge of Shrewsbury.
A map showing the location of the crematorium is here: http://bit.ly/eHUTI5
And afterwards from 5:00 onwards at the
Mytton and Mermaid Hotel
Atcham
Nr. Shrewsbury
SY5 6QG
Tel: 01743 761220
http://www.myttonandmermaid.co.uk/contact.cfm
If anyone would like to make a donation,
they may do so by sending it to Blue Chairs:
Shropshire Blood Trust Fund or see
http://www.justgiving.com/bluechairs2
Just heard the news of tony,s passing
i had the pleasure of working for tony for 12 years, and learnt a lot
about business, he was full of enterprising ideas
and seemed to have endless energy.
He will be sadly missed.
Tony Doherty