Blogcritics Comments on Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

Comment by Pico on Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:12:00 EDT

Forgot to give you props for the article, Kit. It's always intriguing to me to read about how bands start out on a different path than where they end up when they achieve their fame. I was aware of L42's fusion roots but you filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge about it. Speaking of fusion, it's also interesting that in their "post-fame" period they had fusion guitar meastro Alan Holdsworth on board for one album.

Comment by Rosemary Miller on Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:13:48 EDT

You rock like Elvis! Great article : )

Comment by Kit O'Toole on Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:27:47 EDT

I agree, Pico--it's amazing how Mark King could play those fast, intricate bass lines while singing. Interesting comparison to Journey's, um, journey to success; it can be difficult to cross over while staying true to your roots.

Comment by Pico on Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:18:05 EDT

It's an interesting parallel to Journey's own story where the band achieved fame only after moving away from their fusion roots and squarely into the mainstream. Mark King is even arguably the band's Neal Schon; the virtuoso on his instrument and the only original player still left standing (Retroglide is essentially a King solo album with guest players). His bass line on "Good Man In A Storm" (from World Machine) is one of my favorites from the eighties; it's not his most difficult but still amazing considering that he can play that and sing at the same time.