Toto - 'Falling In Between Live' CD and DVD

From the beginning (1976) Toto has been a "band's band" consisting not of "rock stars" but of the cream of the crop of talented, versatile session musicians.

More than 30 years later, Toto is still a "band's band" and continues to earn the respect of other musicians, and of a large and loyal fan base.

Between What and What?

In a 2006 interview, I asked Toto guitarist, vocalist and founding member, Steve Lukather about the deeper meaning of the title, Falling In Between.

"In between musical styles," he explained. "It also defines where we are in our lives: not young anymore but not old yet. It's music that isn't quite like anything you might expect to hear from Toto."

What I expect to hear from Toto, and what they deliver in the live performance captured on Falling In Between Live, is outstanding musicianship, tightly blended vocals, and a stage presence that generates electricity.

The crowd at the Zenith in Paris definitely got its money's worth the night this performance was recorded. The mix of music from the newest release and old favorites like "Africa," "Rosanna" and "Hold The Line" is just right.

Change is Good

Toto on stage

Photo by Sean Gallup / Getty Images

Although several of the band's current members were with Toto at the beginning, it isn't unusual to see different players at different times in the lineup. This works, because Toto's focus has always been much more on the music and much less on the individual players.

At the time this performance was recorded, regular bassist Mike Porcaro had injured a hand, so Leland Sklar (who has been sought out by practically every major band or artist of the past three decades) adeptly handles bass.

Another founding member, David Paich is still a player (and producer) when the band is recording in the studio, but rarely goes on tour anymore, so we get to hear Greg Phillinganes' keyboards and vocals.

Yet another original member of the group, Bobby Kimball, still sings with energy and feeling.

Drummer Simon Phillips, who joined the band in 1992 and Tony Spinner, guitarist/vocalist since 1999 round out the strong Toto touring lineup.

When in France ...

It isn't by accident that a performance from the European leg of the tour was chosen for this live release. For reasons that completely escape me, Toto is far more popular in Europe and Asia than here in the US.

In fact, Steve Lukather has suggested in interviews and in his blog that the band's 2007 US tour would likely be its last.

That would be a shame, given this band's range of skills and styles, and superb musicianship, all of which are evident throughout this concert.

Reviewer Recommends

Steve Lukather, dubbed The Reigning King of Session Guitar by Guitarist magazine.

Photo by David Klein / Getty Images

The Toto "formula" has always worked for me. They are individual session players who come together seamlessly as a band, and when not touring or recording as Toto, continue to do session and solo work individually.

To a lot of us, spending 30 years at the top of your game is an amazing achievement. It isn't something that Steve Lukather takes for granted. "Here I am 30 years later," he told me, "still getting paid to play my guitar. There aren't many guys out there who can say that. I think that's pretty cool, don't you?"

I do, indeed, and that's one of the reasons I recommend Falling In Between Live. Whether you are a longtime fan, haven't yet discovered, or are re-discovering Toto, I feel comfortable in assuring you that you'll be glad you added this release to your collection, in either the 2-CD set or the DVD (which, in addition to the performances has an interesting and entertaining interview with the band's members.)

2-CD set release date: February 19, 2008
DVD release date: April 1, 2008