Biography
One of the more distinctive acts to surface on Magna Carta—a label devoted chiefly to prog-rock musicians and their collaborative projects—is the aptly titled Bozzio Levin Stevens. The lineup unites three musicians widely regarded as elite practitioners of their instruments within rock circles: drummer Terry Bozzio, bassist Tony Levin, and guitarist Steve Stevens, each of whom brings an extensive résumé. Bozzio first registered with rock audiences as Frank Zappa’s drummer during the 1970s on such landmark recordings as Zoot Allures, Zappa in New York, and Sheik Yerbouti, later co-founding the new-wave outfit The Missing Persons while establishing himself as a highly sought session player. Levin, conversely, is best recognized for his extensive studio contributions to landmark albums including Paul Simon’s Still Crazy After All These Years, John Lennon’s Double Fantasy, and Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms, yet he has also maintained a lengthy tenure in Peter Gabriel’s touring ensemble and spent an extended stretch as a member of King Crimson. Stevens has likewise alternated between permanent band roles—most prominently as Billy Idol’s principal collaborator on the albums Billy Idol, Rebel Yell, and Whiplash Smile, along with a brief association with Vince Neil—and session engagements such as Michael Jackson’s Bad and a Grammy-winning contribution to the Top Gun soundtrack. Eager to display their collective instrumental command, the three players seized the chance to combine forces. Their first recording, the 1997 album Black Light Syndrome, arrived to enthusiastic reception from prog-rock listeners, its seven tracks each approaching the ten-minute mark. Logistical demands prevented a supporting tour, yet the trio reconvened three years later for the 2000 follow-up Situation Dangerous, completed in just fourteen days. Speculation continues regarding any subsequent release, given the members’ persistently heavy individual commitments.
Albums
