Toto - Falling In Between Live
Eagle Vision
www.eaglerockent.com

Rating: B

Toto, the band people love to hate, is back with a double live CD that will go a long way in making the band’s biggest critics shut their mouth and open their ears. Sure, this is basically a Steve Lukather and Bobby Kimball version of Toto, but once you hear the musicianship and total class this version of the band brings you will wish those ‘other guys’ had never been there in the first place.

This is an amazing live set full of jazz improv, different versions of classic tunes and tons – and we mean – tons of full out jamming from one of the most talented groups of musicians touring the planet. Along with Luke and Kimball the band consists of drummer Simon Phillips, legendary bass player Leland Sklar, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes and guitarist Tony Spinner.

Lukather steals the show with his guitar solo. The man is an amazing player who too often gets remembered only for Toto’s hits instead of his prowess on his instrument. He is truly a gifted soloist who is capable of sweet sounds as well as biting, lightening fast licks. The CD is a mixture of the bands hits ala "Roseanna," "Africa," "Hold the Line" and "Hyrdra" as well as newer tunes, the best of which is "Falling In Between." At the end of the day, rock fans would do themselves a favor not to believe what they read by jaded rock critics and instead experience Toto circa 2008 for themselves — you might just be surprised at what a multi-layered and talented band you will discover.

– Jeb Wright