Beautifully filmed in high definition and recorded on June 25, 2013, at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland, Toto’s 35th Anniversary Tour: Live In Poland (available on CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc and as a Deluxe Edition with everything and more) catches the band at the peak of their powers during their European tour. Original members Steve Porcaro, David Paich and Steve Lukather are joined by drummer Simon Phillips, bassist Nathan East, singer Joseph Williams, and back-up vocalists Amy Keys and Mabvuto Carpenter, for a riveting 20-song set that highlights the band’s gift for hit songwriting, arrangement and world-class musicianship.
Pulsating keys, synth strings and cheering rises as Phillips’ drums bring us into the triple blistering medley of “On The Run,” “Child’s Anthem,” and “Goodbye Eleanor.” This opener is bouncy and upbeat with the last song truly plucking through some Saga-like runs, mindful that Toto’s musical landscape ranges from common commerciality to subtle progressive rock and jazz. Paich’s piano playing is as strong as ever. His touch is ever so evident on “Goin’ Home,” behind Williams’ biting vocals. Paich’s playing on “Hydra” also gets a huge response, with Phillips executing some equally stellar moves on his humongous kit.
Lukather’s guitar matches well with Paich’s piano on the pretty “I’ll Be Over You” with Williams truly giving it his all, well supported by backing vocals from Keys and Carpenter. When the drums encourage a healthy crowd clappin’ for “Rosanna,” this cracker-jack outfit pulls out all the stops with horn accents, synths and wonderful harmonies. “Falling In Between” is a crazy mix of drums, slices of guitar, piano and Nathan East’s deep bass, netting a huge response from the crowd. This is a perfect arena tune with a stuttered drum vibe during the chorus and Williams’ voice cutting across the reaches.
There’s some inspiring acoustic guitar from Lukather and piano work from Paich on “99,” a pretty staid AOR track. “The Muse” fares better with acoustic guitar and piano again, floating in and out of a gorgeous melody, soft sweeping synth strings and the crowd clapping along – to an instrumental, no less. “White Sister” gets kicking, about as poppy as the band gets, a good run- around-riff of a tune. “Better World” sees Toto stepping into more prog territory before unfolding into big arena rock as the crowd sings the “oooh’s” and the band buckles down the nuisances when Lukather starts wailing, then some piano at the end before the whole thing comes to jamming conclusion.
“Africa” gets the crowd clapping and singing on a Toto classic. The vocals are on, the backing beat sways, and the whole concoction is pretty much a spot-on re-creation of one the band’s most beloved songs. “How Many More Times” sees Lukather out front, while “Stop Loving You” chunks along with those distinctive high piano notes. The power chords then chime in “Hold The Line” followed by the stirring “Home Of The Brave.” To truly appreciate Toto’s 35th Anniversary Tour: Live In Poland, you’ll want to get the DVD or Blu-ray. Not only is the show shot and edited in magnificent HD, but seeing these players up close and under the spotlights gives you insight into the chemistry and virtuosity. The enthusiasm of the Polish audience adds to the intensity and energy level. A bonus Behind The Scenes with band interviews and candid “behind-the-scenes” footage sums up Tot’s 35-year odyssey from high school buddies to Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling rock band quite nicely.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
