The DVD begins with some brief backstage footage as the band is only minutes from taking the stage. As the African-themed intro music fills the arena, the band members take their positions behind a large curtain that is draped around the front of the stage. I love this method of opening a concert, as it creates a dramatic affect when the curtain is suddenly dropped, the light show kicks into gear, and the music starts. It looked especially cool here.
Toto opens the show with a couple of the more rockin' tracks from the Falling In Between album, the title track and "King Of The World". I appreciate the fact that Toto are playing a lot of the new material, four songs in all, and not just playing a tribute to the old classics. I though that Falling In Between was the best album these guys have done since Toto IV. Yeah, you heard me right.
After an excellent version of their funky pop hit "Pamela", going back to 1988's The Seventh One, they dig deep into the gorgeous Falling In Between track, "Bottom Of Your Soul". This dramatic number is very reminiscent of their #1 hit "Africa", and it is also one of the best songs they have done since then.
From there, you are treated to most of the classic numbers fans have come to expect like, "Hold The Line", "I'll Supply The Love", "Africa", and "Rosanna", which featured a new jazzy intro section, but you are also treated to a few unexpected surprises. Fans of what is probably the least known Toto album, Kingdom Of Desire, are sure to be pleased by the three selections that are dusted off for this show. That album could easily have easily been a Steve Lukather solo album, as it was the heaviest and most straight forward rock album the band has ever done, with Luke handling all of the lead vocals.
Toto bassist Mike Porcaro was unable to make the second leg of the Falling In Between tour due to a hand injury, so Luke recruited his old friend, and bass guitar legend, Leland Sklar to fill in for the rest of the tour. You will certainly not mistake Sklar for Porcaro up on stage, as he looks more like old St. Nick than your typical rock star, but his bass playing was very impressive. Although founding member David Paich still writes and plays with the band in the recording studio, he no longer tours with Toto. Greg Phillinganes has been with the band since 2005, and this veteran keyboardist is certainly a worthy compliment to Paich.
Article comments
1 - Matt Wardlaw
I didn't realize this was officially out there. I am going to have to go track this one down.
Hopefully you've got Lukather's new solo disc. It's great!
2 - Paul Roy
I haven't picked up Luke's new CD yet? I'm glad to here you think it is great. I was expecting it to be.