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TOTO Live In Amsterdam (Eagle EAGCD266) (2003)
The CD version of the concert recorded earlier this year to celebrate the
bands 25th anniversary. There is also a DVD release with all the CD
tracks plus bonus tracks and on the road footage. The line-up features
original members vocalist Bobby Kimball, keyboards/vocalist David Paich and
guitarist/vocalist Steve Luthaker, along with bass player Mike Porcaro,
whose been with the band since the mid-80s and drummer Simon Phillips, who
replaced original drummer Jeff Porcaro after his sad death back in 1993.
The band have recorded some classic albums in the past twenty-five years
including the bands self-titled debut, Toto IV, Isolation,
The Seventh One and Tambu to name but five! The band play
tighter than a the proverbial duck's rear and there are storming versions
of Africa, Africa, Home Of The Brave and I Won't Hold
You Back. There are also a couple of covers from the recent covers set
Through The Looking Glass, the best of which is George Harrison's
While My Guitar Gently Weeps, which finds Steve Luthaker on fine form.
A fine memory if you were lucky enough to attend any of the shows earlier
this year.
Toto are much more than your average AOR band and if you dont normally
care for AOR then youre missing a real treat here. Strong songs, which
sound much heavier in a live environment (check out the riffing on Hold
The Line), quality musicianship and a very clear live sound. If you're
fan you will already be off to get your copy but if not what's keeping you?
****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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