The musicianship, the history, the passion.
Coming off another successful SOLD OUT run of worldly dates abroad, Toto is trekking
back to the US following their critically acclaimed 2006 release "Falling In Between".
By now you know the history and the hits, (www.toto99.com) built from its inception on
solid friendship and musical camaraderie that started 30 years ago are like none-other
past to present. Toto's seven Grammy's - and that's not counting the Grammy's held by
individuals in their own solo careers - has the band clocked at 30 million plus records sold
worldwide. Also, all members of Toto have very current successful solo careers on their
own.
Besides the hits and familiarity of Hold The Line, Rosanna, Africa, Georgy Porgy, I'll Be
Over You, Pamela, and Bottom Of Your Soul (#1 single in 2006 on many of the European
charts), when this band hits the stage for these RARE US DATES, Toto's perfect pitched
sound, impeccable musicianship and enthusiastic stage presence is something of a must
for any musician and or any one-member fan of the group.
The band’s current trek is still forged by Toto originators guitarist/vocalist Steve "Luke"
Lukather (Respected by the likes of Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Larry
Carlton just to name a few) and white-eyed soulful vocals of Bobby Kimball having an
amazing voice and excellent stage presence.
Since the untimely death of drummer Jeff Porcaro in 1992 the Toto drum throne position
has been held solid by Simon Phillips (The Who, Jeff Beck, Judas Priest). Simon's freakof-
nature drum playing is a MUST to see and hear. Simply pure and amazing talent from
front to back.
Toto most recent member is the ever so amazing keyboardist/vocalist Greg Phillinganes.
Stevie Wonder discovered this musical prodigy at a youthful age and Greg has performed
and recorded with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson just to
name a few. Toto bassist Mike Porcaro will be missed on this current run (due to an injury
sustained to his left hand) and filling in for brother Mike is none-other then renowned
bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Phil Collins and many more). Lee is an "Ace of a
player" and like all the rest of the Toto 2007, is a must to all to capture and grasp in
concert and adds spark to the current tour. Also on guitar and vocals is Tony Spinner.
The band’s current plans also include traveling the globe to perform and later this year to
release an HD DVD filmed last month in Europe - as well as some other exciting solo
projects to be announced over the next couple of months.
Whether you go back and look at the discography of artists these guys have recorded with
or the ever so passionate musicianship heard on a great Toto song, you don't want to miss
the opportunity to catch their captivating live US 2007performances. For any music guru of
pop, rock, funk, prog and jazz on the planet, Toto 2007 translated, "Still All -
Encompassing".
Dave Maida /
www.ride-records.com