STICK MEN
featuring TONY LEVIN, MERKUS REUTER & PAT MASTELOTTO Bergamo Jazz 2025 broadens its horizons by proposing a formidable trio that draws its lifeblood from the mixture of improvisation, experimental rock and more, as well as from the extraordinary instrumental mastery of its members. Stick Men, or Stick Men, take their name from the particular instrument invented in the 1970s by Emmett Chapman, a sort of cross between electric bass and guitar, usually equipped with 10 strings played with the tapping technique, which involves the independent use of the hands. Maximum virtuoso of the Stick is considered Tony Levin, a trusted man of Peter Gabriel and many others, as well as a member of various editions of King Crimson from 1981 onward. Also converted to the Stick is German guitarist Markus Reuter. The third member is drummer Pat Mastelotto, whom most know from hearing him in the last editions of King Crimson itself, including one with as many as three drummers.
Born in Boston in 1946, Tony Levin began playing when he was 10 years old. In high school he switched to electric bass and met drummer Steve Gadd, also destined for a bright career and with whom Tony Levin was part of flugelhornist Chuck Mangione’s group in the early 1970s. From here on, countless doors opened wide. In fact, the list of Tony Levin’s collaborations, both in the studio and on stage, is almost endless: in addition to Peter Gabriel and King Crimson, John Lennon, James Taylor, Andy Summers, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Gary Burton, Alice Cooper, the Italians Claudio Baglioni and Ivano Fossati, just to name a few among the many possible names.
Markus Reuter began as a pianist, later converting to guitar, thanks to studies with Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft, and then to Stick and Touch Guitar. He has made several solo records and plays with various bands, including Centrozoon and Tuner, or a duo with Pat Mastelotto. He has also been a member of the Europa String Choir and has collaborated with Ian Boddy, Robert Rich, Tim Bowness, and others.
Pat Mastelotto took up the drums as a self-taught musician and also developed a keen interest in electronics. Major collaborations include Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, and Finland’s Kimmo Pohjonen, as well as, of course, King Crimson, in which he was able to cement a partnership with Tony Levin.

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