Toto, featuring six of the most in-demand studio musicians in the world, came
out of Los Angeles and rose to prominence in 1977. Thirty years later, the group’s
Falling In Between Live CD and DVD, recorded and filmed at
Le Zénith in Paris, captures the same band in concert, its lineup slightly
altered, but still uncompromising when it comes to delivering a very high level
of musicianship. For this set, however, the usually overproduced group dug in
deep to get a modern, yet gutsy heavy sound. Throughout the show, the sound
is thick and layered with a stirring mix of top-notch playing and spectacular
vocals.
Falling In Between Live sounds like Toto, but without the
same cast of players longtime Toto fans know and love. Bassist Mike Porcaro
is out with a hand injury, while keyboardist David Paich still records with
the band but no longer tours. Covering for these musicians are bassist Leland
Sklar and Greg Phillinganes on keyboards and vocals. Phillinganes’ keyboards
provide a nice balance to Steve Lukather’s burning guitar work. Clearly,
at this stage, Lukather is the group’s de facto leader. His chops and
dynamics with the other players certainly stands out. Even so, Lukather even
gets some help from Tony Spinner, who sings and plays guitar. Drummer Simon
Phillips does a superb job filling the shoes of the late Jeff Porcaro, while
Bobby Kimball, who rejoined the band back in 1999 after a long departure, still
retains that strong and full voice famous for the big hits and hidden jewels
of Toto’s extensive catalog.
I was blown away by the tempo changes in “Falling In Between,”
the opening number. This is followed up by the hook-heavy “King Of The
World,” where Kimball belts out and gets some additional vocal support
that rivals the overdriven guitars. Still, it’s nice to hear the keyboard
clearing in the mix while Lukather squeezes out a real sweet tone. Elsewhere,
“Bottom Of Your Soul” finds the whole group working their magical
chemistry on a ballad. But then “Caught In The Balance” comes along
and adds some needed “heavy” duty strength to the CD. Phillips and
Lukather assume a solid interplay, while Kimball sings note perfect. I really
dig the full vocals alongside the guitars screaming away. Lukather takes over
both (guitar and vocals) for “Don’t Chain My Heart,” a bluesy
tune with some solid hooks. Radio-friendly hits like “Hold The Line”
and “Stop Loving You” (featuring Spinner on lead vocals) should
come as no surprise to Toto fans.
The band kicks off the second portion of the show with an awesome rendition
of “Roseanna.” This number starts off nice and jazzy, then kicks
into a high octane burner at the end. The energy maintains a furious pace with
snippets of “I’ll Supply The Love,” “Isolation,”
“Gift Of Faith” and “Kingdom Of Desire.” They play just
enough of each tune to make you wish they played just a little more. The “Hydra”
riff opens a door for Phillips to rip through a tasty drum solo. The CD carries
on with “Taint Your World” and “Gypsy Train,” a pair
of hard rockers that feature Phillips and Lukather kicking it in overdrive.
“Africa” made the cut because it’s a Grammy award-winning
song, but it’s “Drag Him To The Roof,” with some great vocals,
along with the requisite tempo and dynamic changes, that closes the set out
on a high note.
The DVD is a feast for the eyes and ears. Watching this team of top-notch players
in action proves there’s a lot more might behind even the most mellow of numbers.
But for pure rockin’ spectacle, fans will love the close-ups of Lukather and
Phillips attacking their respective instruments with fury and conviction.The
bonus interviews feature insights from each musician on various topics —
how they play, what they play, interaction with other members, road stories
and quaint anecdotes. Once destined to obscurity, Toto has filled Falling
In Between Live with plenty of toe-taping riffs and high-end production.
Even if you’re not a Toto fan, this is certainly one worth adding to your
collection.
~ Alex Jacard & Shawn Perry
