Bozzio - Levin - Stevens: Situation Dangerous

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: September 1, 2000

Situation Dangerous represents the second and latest release from the power trio of guitarist Steve Stevens, stick performer/bassist Tony Levin and drummer Terry Bozzio. And as some of us might surmise, the band pursues hard driving and altogether potent fusion/prog-rock style themes and tricky time signatures with dazzling marksmanship.

The band takes care of business in expeditious fashion, which is evident from the opening seconds of pieces such as “Dangerous” and “Endless”. However, the musicians do serve up a hearty mix as Stevens also displays some darn good acoustic-flamenco chops along with guest guitarist Marcus Nand on “Tziganne”. Basically, the musicians effectively balance the turbo-charged proceedings with joyful harmony and energetic enthusiasm.

Throughout, Bozzio accelerates the pace while skillfully utilizing his array of melodic toms, gongs and tiny cymbals in concert with his impossibly fast bass pedal work and now legendary polyrhythmic attack. At times, the drummer’s unique orchestral approach presents an incredibly expansive scenario in comparison to what mere mortals might pursue. – Here, the musicians not only render phenomenal power trio type fare yet also engage in keen improvisation amid the durable and often seductive interludes.

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Personnel:

Terry Bozzio; Drums: Tony Levin; Basses and Stick: Steve Stevens; Guitars. Additional flamenco guitar on

Record Label: Magna Carta Records
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock