Tony Visconti's work with David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Morrissey and others has had an enduring impact on the history of rock music. The Brooklyn-born producer joins us to look back on his eventful career, as detailed in his recent memoir, Bowie, Bolan and The Brooklyn Boy.
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on the sound of Bowie's Low album
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on the sound of Bowie's Low album
Comments [13]
Hi Tony,
I absolutely love your book! You're story is so inspiring. It takes a lot of guts to go to a country to follow your muse and how you managed to not only survive but soar is something big I really admire about your story.
I really enjoyed the candidness of it, both the highs and the courage you have to reveal the lows.
The records you produced have left their "Mark" on the world of Rock and Roll...and in my CD collection...well, not only mine, but very very many :)
From a lifetime fan, Rob
What's amazing to me is the recent work -- such as Morrissey's Ringleader of the Tormentors. That album is simply amazing -- it really creeps up on you. After more than a few listens, you realize not only the excellent songwriting, but the groundbreaking and unique sounds, the coherence of the album, the creativity -- it's truly amazing and totally underrated.
My favourite Visconti production (among so many) is "Joe The Lion" from Bowies album "Heroes". Outrageous rhythm section, insane guitars, and a ferociously complicated arrangement all held together by the Brooklyn kids magic production.Wonderful.
Hi Tony,
I read your book several times since last summer. Please, tell David to return on stage. Many thanks. Dan
As a sometime producer myself I want to thank you John for correcting your previous mistake in omitting recognition for Tony Visconti and his contibution to Bowie's work. Producer is a very underrated and misunderstood role in music recording. Often the artists themselves fail to recognize its importance and impact on recordings.
Thanks for all your great work John!
Tony,
Did you introduce Bowie to the Uncle Floyd show?
I would like to know how much and in what way he was involved in the ambient parts of low and heroes.
also how does his zen buddhism influences his producing.
Great to hear the Brooklyn accent (with just a touch of Blighty) is intact, too!
Hi Tony, could you talk about "Carmen". As a good spanish boy it one of my favorite groups of the era. Thanks, Luis Damian Guell
Hi Tony & John,
i'm originally from the former soviet union
in the 70s sparks used to be huge there.
undeservedly forgotten, i think.
what happened to them?
do you stay in touch ?
Tony:
Would love hear about your 'Experiences' with Gentle Giant -- not as famous as Bowie, Bolan, et al, but no less loved by prog fans of the same era.
Best wishes and thanks for all the music and keep on doing it...
Mark
Hello Tony: What sort of Echo effect did Mick Ronson use on the "Ziggy Star Dust" album?
Was it the Roland Echo Plex?
Thank you,
Donald
Hello Tony: I had read in the David Bowie bio "Loving the Alien" that David & Marc Bolan were in kind of a race to see who would actually be given credit for inventing Glam Rock. In your opinion, who would you say out of the 2 men could best be given credit for inventing Glam Rock as we know it today?
Thank you,
Donald L. Jackson
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