Falling In Between Live

Toto

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

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