Duke Levine Talks Touring with Bonnie Raitt & the Eternal Tone Hunt - AZ 182

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Duke Levine's resume is filled with a catalog of stellar solo albums, high-profile sideman gigs, and essential session work. We have Tom Bukovac to thank for making this interview happen, as he had requested Duke on a recent session here in Nashville, that gave us a chance to catch up in person with the Boston-area great. To kick off, we begin with a discussion of his latest gig, touring with Bonnie Raitt. Via the new gig, he has had his first experience with using in-ear monitors and having amps off-stage. We also cover his early gigs with Jonatha Brooke & The Story, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and how he got a record deal in the early 90s. Levine also talks about the eternal tone hunt, covering his move away from using compressor pedals to replacing them with low-gain overdrive pedals. We also cover his pedal board where he uses a Radial switcher to keep his tone as pure as possible by removing unused items from his chain.
#askzac #dukelevine #telecaster

[@dukelevine6995]

Thank you so much, Zac!! And to all of you commenting here as well! Just a couple of omissions on my part. If I may - I neglected to even mention my guitar spouse/soul mate of 30 years, the amazing Kevin Barry, who was a big part of my last couple records. And somehow I left out that Gerry Leonard was added to the crew from Plumb and played brilliantly on Jonatha Brooke’s 10 Cent Wings record. Thanks again, an honor to hang out in the Truetone Lounge with the master!

[@AskZac]

Honored to have you on the show, and it was a treat to get to spend the day driving around Nashville, and doing the interview. You are the best.

[@snoopywalker1881]

Kevin Barry is the best.

[@kirkp_nextguitar]

What a great interview! I’ve been following from the west coast you since I ran across Lava 20 some years ago. I love finding videos or recordings of you and Kevin on the bandstand with Club d’Elf, Cosmic Orchestra, Carol Noonan, etc. Maybe someday I’ll make it out to Mass to hear you guys live.

[@johncox2552]

Great interview. Such gorgeous playing.

[@kenster865]

@@snoopywalker1881 Indeed so! Kevin and Duke work amazingly well together. I've had similar musical relationships in the past and it's magical stuff.

[@johnl.6930]

Duke is sublime! Just saw him on Long Island NY with Bonnie. A smaller theatre in the round. Listening to Duke describe how the Amos are no longer on stage, etc. must say it was one of the best live sounds I’ve encountered and I’ve been kicking around for decades! Everyone clear as a bell! Thanks Zac!

[@bobpedone6168]

I played my first ever gig in 1976 at Green Hill Park outdoors in Worcester MA opening for Dukes band "Landslide" on a June beautiful summer day. I was 16 years old, had been playng for @ 1 year, and was ready to take over the musical world! I was so nervous my knees were knocking, I had never played in front of ANYONE, let alone a decent summer days crowd coming to see Duke play. I closed my eyes, said a little prayer and let it rip, after the first note all the nervous energy disappeared, and I killed it (in my head anyway). I am still playing and performing all these years later, I think of that day often, I even have pictures from the gig of my big AFRO hairdo, it was the style at the time. This interview reminded me of that day again, oh the Glory days! I have been a fan of Dukes" since I heard him play that day and rise from local hero to National act. Worcester representing!

[@kennethwilliams8477]

Looking at the floor playing guitar. Shoegaze Duke floor/shoes. Love you Duke! Forever my fav.

[@boyan.guitar]

Duke is beyond extraordinary. I used to go see him play every chance I got when I was living in Boston. I’ve never heard him play something I didn’t like. Every time he plays it’s magic. Thanks for another interview with him 🙏🙌

[@AskZac]

Couldn't agree more!

[@kjatexas3679]

Duke gets such beautiful tone out of that Tele.

[@telecasterbear]

Massachusetts ❤ Thanks for letting us in on your chat with Duke.

[@AskZac]

Love it!

[@SteveHorvath1953]

I so wish I lived closer to his home town. I've followed him since his MCC days with John Jennings - such a great example of a player playing to and for the song and not themselves!

[@sandywonderland]

I appreciate your comment! Grateful to have grown and lived in Boston Duke's always in heavy rotation in my life's soundtrack.

[@JeffSeale]

One of my favorite pickers. His tone is unbelievable! Thanks for getting this interview.

[@JeffSeale]

Country Soul Guitar was my intro, too. And Everything is Going to Work Out Fine is incredible!

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks Zac & Duke. I learned a lot from this interview.

[@vayabroder729]

Johnny A used Marshalls for many years and he got a lot of flavors out of them. People have a preconceived idea on Marshalls; that they can only be played loud and distorted. Not true. Great interviews with these pros. Thank you!

[@eddaymusic]

Two good guys here 👍 Thanks for taking the time and sharing!

[@patdixon3844]

I confess that I wasn't familiar with Mr. Levine before this; now he's one of my favorite guitar players ever. I could listen to him play all day.

[@joeldowdy404]

I have always loved Duke's touch and dynamics.

[@zachsmith3376]

"Slowly fading out of sight" absolutely stunned me the first time I heard it.

[@albertoanaut]

+1

[@wegogreycup]

Yup

[@kirkp_nextguitar]

I’ve been hooked on Duke Levine for at least 20 years, trying to hear everything he’s played on, but until recently he’s has a low profile so it’s great to hear this excellent extended interview.

[@terrybilbrey3377]

Solid conversation, interview, demo, and picking…that was fun.

[@mikeault]

I love these interviews Zac! Every time a song or artist is mentioned, during the interviews, I look them up and enjoy the info so much thank you! I enjoy Dukes playing so much!! I got to work on a Sesson with Duke and Jon Carroll with an artist from Washington DC and both Jon Carroll and Duke were awesome.! The recording was "Here I Am" by Maryann Redmond who Is a great artist as well! Thank you!

[@mrmatthew2443]

Thanks so much Zac ., i just found out you know Duke ., and I just found out your a guitar tech .!!! Fantastic..!! Duke is a monster player..

[@guitarchitect66]

Mercy. Such wonderful playing with rich sounds. Thank you, Zac, for the in-depth discussion.

[@toneking6555]

Hi Duke, Do you still have the Vibroverb you used with The Firemen? Love your playing!!

[@105Gunner]

I found Duke’s music through the original TrueTone Episode and his appearance w. Tom Bukovac. I’ve had The Fade Out on repeat on Spotify all week and am hooked on Duke’s twangy jazz. Thanks for the update and the music!

[@snoopywalker1881]

Luv both duke and Tom

[@meanmud1]

Awesome vid, Thanks Zac! KZbin needs more Duke Levine!

[@AskZac]

Agreed!

[@wendicraig6321]

Fantastic interview, I've been craving something something like this for a long time! The only topic that I was wanting to hear discussed was about Touring/ Backing up Otis Rush, had to be a great story about that! Also been wondering about any new album coming with Kevin and the guys, we NEED it! Thanks to Duke , and Zac for always asking the right questions! And interviewing and talking about the right people. Love your show Zac!

[@mrmoa]

Two of my favorites just hanging out talking music and guitars. Love it!

[@chrisplanas7021]

Thanks Duke for the always excellent playing, and thanks Zac for asking the right questions.

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@picksalot1]

Wonderful interview, beautiful playing, great tone, interesting story, and useful tips and insights, and one of the nicest Teles I've ever heard. It has all the qualities I like. Earlier today, KZbin suggested this video "1965 Vox AC30 Top Boost - Demo & Description" on the "12 foot chain" Channel, where I got to hear an outstanding 1965 Vox AC30, beautiful live sound recording, and Zac got a shoutout in the video. An exceptionally good day for all things guitar. Thanks

[@AskZac]

Thanks for listening

[@bluespower1961]

Awesome. Being from Beantown I heard about Duke years ago. I think I bought Country Soul first. Loved it. Bonnie Raitt could not have a better player or person in her band! Thanks Zac for knowing about this Badass Bostonian.

[@richardroskell3452]

Saw Duke with Bonny a couple of months ago. Fabulous show, great sound. Crystal clear tone from Duke from the first bar. ❤

[@katylied8]

Lovely interview with an absolute master. Thanks for that.

[@AskZac]

Thanks for listening

[@howlinfish]

Duke is a true master. I really enjoyed this interview. Thanks Zac!

[@edkutschke814]

I have to thank Tom Bukovac for turning me on to Duke.I only wish I would have know about him sooner! Love his playing and doing my best to catch up on all his work. I hope he gets Guitar Talk out there again for us. Thanks Zac.

[@RedRose4711]

This was a great video. Very interesting and informative. Duke is such a great enthusiastic player.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelgranka7904]

Another great episode Zac. Thanks to you and Duke

[@ndadson]

Duke's fluid and melodic playing is amazing.

[@robertbarnes9745]

Love me some Duke! Wonderfully executed and right on the money. Always so in tune, whether hammered or bent. Sweet!

[@PastaPatate]

Great player. I hadn’t listened to him in a bit then when Buk mentioned him I got back in to him. Absolutely love his sound.

[@davemassie3726]

Grand slam Zac! Thank you Duke for sharing. Your playing is so emotional and heartfelt! Sooo Tasty! You are the King of less is more. Your phrasing and use of space is so beautiful! Kevin Barry OMG. Thank you again for sharing. Peace

[@javipenaguitar]

Fantastic interview Zac! Thanks! When I hear Duke talking and playing I always think the same, music and melody is first! That’s the sense of all of this at the end of the day. Thank you both! You make my day!

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Javi!

[@jipes]

Dear Zak you have a real talent to run interviews, very gentle and with a great pace letting space to teh guest to expose ideas and guiding them to speak about so many interesting topics Hats Off

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Awesome Zac. Great conversation with Duke. What a special player he is.

[@AskZac]

I think so too!

[@tonyshoe3131]

I 1st heard him W/Roy Sludge. " I got hammered & I got nailed.".... been a big fan ever since.

[@allstopblue5717]

Good lord this guy is an absolute beast of a player. WOW

[@johnchaney9849]

Excellent interview, Zac! There were plenty of good tips for aspiring guitarists. Thanks!

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@TCMx3]

Thank you for bringing us this interview Zac. Duke is an incredible musician and it's super cool to hear his thoughts.

[@robertrouleau1000]

Super great interview! Big fan of Duke...

[@goswo]

Duke is such a Gentleman and oh boy, soooo musical. Huge inspiration. Thank you. (Mad Professor rocks, their Blue Delay is so good)

[@Tagger0325]

Saw Duke plenty with Peter. Had the pleasure of getting a front row table 10' away at the Narrows from Duke with Club D'elf. Didn't blink.

[@briannacery9939]

I saw Bonnie Raitt at The Pantages in Hollywood. She was using a Demeter amp that had two 4×12 bottoms and a head like a Marshall. All players sounded fantastic!

[@toreilly100]

Fantastic!!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

I've loved Duke's playing on Mary Chapin Carpenter songs for ages now. Last week I was in CostCo (Bristol UK) where a guy was blasting out "I feel lucky" helping him sell his stereo speakers. I'll never forget seeing Duke's Strat at Bristol Colston Hall. The strings looked like he'd got them from overhead power lines they were that fat. Under the front of his amp was a block of wood with "Sound enhancer written on it ! What a night .

[@dahlbaker]

Great interview.

[@adrianmiller1971]

I dont think ive heard anyone play so many pedal steel licks in one hit, great stuff!

[@robamaral9089]

good episode Zach !

[@crazywisdom2]

Def. Think im gonna have to get some ' Ask Zak ' merch !!~

[@AskZac]

THANKS!!!

[@DeanAlexanderCoulter]

Great session gentlemen, thank you. PS Love the co-ordinated outfits. Zac, get some Blundstones.

[@AskZac]

Thanks! Will do!

[@-plexico-]

Happy Holidays Zac!

[@AskZac]

Happy holidays!

[@MariJu1ce]

Dammnn that deluxe sounds amazing, what speaker you got in there? that tele sound is the sound of my dreams, absolutely beautiful, was impressed when he said it was a FCS

[@AskZac]

WGS ET65

[@kenster865]

Touring/playing with Bonnie Raitt ain't a bad gig at all, no, not at all. How cool is that?? Like... totally!! 👍👍

[@petertiffany8096]

When I turned my pick sideways a few years ago, it came surprisingly easily and was a big game changer. I am not going back.

[@garyssimo]

33:20 is So Sweet! Sounds like a Bonnie song. I think I need my first Tele.. woops...I just bought a Gretsch 6120... I tried the dull side of a heavy pick about 1995 and never went back to the sharp tip. The sharp tip digs in and s!ows me down Give Bonnie a huge hug for me! I was in the audience for her Road Tested album recording and it was all I could do to not run up onto the stage and hug on her!

[@chrislestermusic]

I can second about the Mad Professor Royal Blue pedal. Those are amazing with Fender style amps. Fantastic pedal.

[@AskZac]

Good choice!

[@jfinester]

I’ve been a fan of Duke’s since I saw him with Mary Chapin Carpenter many years ago. Absolute monster player. His steel bends are incredible. I’m a frustrated steel player, can’t play steel at all, so I do it on guitar-not nearly as well as Duke does. I wonder if he’s ever done a video where he demonstrates some of those licks!

[@artisanmetalcraft]

Very Nice!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@alylee11]

In my opinion, Duke is the best guitar player on the planet. ✨

[@TheArtofBlues]

He has a longhorn baritone , ive been looking for one. Can you ask him if its for sale?

[@blazengtr]

Duke is as close to Gatton as we have! My hero!!!

[@dr2675]

Great interview, Zac! Duke is the shit! Respectfully, and off-topic… What’s up with the new set? It gives cable acces channel vibes. Flat. The old set looked professional, and like a real show. Three dimensional. Something changed in the production.

[@AskZac]

We had trouble with the tan walls and skin tones. Should we bring the big radio back?

[@foolhardymcpain]

Love the show Zac but I have to agree with Doc. Visually this looks like it was shot 20 years ago!

[@marklarkinsmusic5543]

Clean Tone!

[@mrmatthew2443]

It’s gotta be a JMP 50 watt …!! I really doubt it’s a JCM 800 or he would have remembered the exact model.. WOW..!!! I’m pleased and not at all surprised., that master volume circuit is one of the best medium gain amps ever., they didn’t make them long because they morphed into the JCM800 after a couple years.. I know the JCM800 get a lot of hate but it’s basically a JMP

[@stantissue2065]

I think he’s using the 50w JCM 800. I set mine on 3.5 master, 7 preamp with a Stratocaster, Schecter Tom Anderson pickups, DOD Chorus (because it was 1979). Indestructible, never encountered a room where it didn’t work. Patrons beers down the back caused fuse problems😊. Dave Edmunds covering Hank Devito’s Sweet Little Lisa and Albert Lee (again) with the Hot Band on Emmy Lou Harris’s Luxury Liner are two of my all time favorites.

[@chrisboyd4641]

Bud's Bounce !

[@route9records]

My only critique is once, just ONCE make a mistake live, Duke!

[@Maplefuzz3542]

I have basically the same guitar, same amp and same overdrive ✌️

[@macleodlola2553]

who cares?

[@Maplefuzz3542]

@@macleodlola2553ask zac ;)

[@albertoanaut]

I do

[@halhawkins7641]

Excellent! and ....Teles rule.

[@gvrussell9230]

Everybody know Reggie Young was amazing.

[@ebeep]

Marshall 2204 ;)

[@robamaral9089]

very legato player.

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Gunslinger par excellence.

[@gteefxr3094]

Play through some fucking amps!

[@jeffmazzei8520]

So sad Zak that Duke is so unaware of good pedals out there ! No one really uses Boss Pedals anymore except kids.

[@TeleCaster66]

Not true.

[@AskZac]

Are you joking?

[@vayabroder729]

Cork sniffing much?

[@chrislestermusic]

Yeah, his tone really seems to be suffering.

[@Harry_PP030]

Did you hear his tone? Nothing wrong with his gear apparently!