35 years...included in that time span are a lot of hits, strong selling albums and packed concert venues. That's the story of Toto, the American rock band comprised of many famous studio musicians who made names for themselves individually playing on some of the best selling recordings of the last 40 years, but in the late '70s decided to form together and create some magic on their own. That is indeed what happened, evident by chart topping hits such as "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", "Africa", "99", and numerous other memorable songs. Though CD sales and live concert appearances here in the US have slowed considerably for them in recent years, the band still is quite the draw on the international circuit, which you can see in wonderful high-definition on this Blu-ray release celebration of the bands 35th anniversary. Filmed at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland during Toto's 2013 World Tour, the thousands in attendance got to witness Steve Lukather (guitars, lead vocals), Joe Williams (lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards, lead vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards), Simon Phillips (drums), Nathan East (bass, backing vocals), and Amy Keys & Mabvuto Carpenter (backing vocals) play a large selection of the best songs from their vast back catalog.
Though this band has had many line-up configurations over the years, this one is perhaps their strongest. Williams, who sang lead vocals on Toto's Fahrenheit and The Seventh One albums, is a truly gifted singer, and it's great to see him back in the band again, shining not only on the songs he originally sang, but also handling the tunes previously tackled by Bobby Kimball. When Lukather saddles up to the microphone, he shows here his voice is also still in fine shape, especially on the moody rocker "Wings of Time", the crunchy "How Many Times", and the mega hit "Rosanna". As for his guitar skills, he's still one of the most talented players in rock, firing off lethal bursts with blazing speed as well as emotional lines that tug at your heart. The guy can do it all. The rest of the band is filled with stellar players, including powerhouse drummer Phillips, the solid bassist East, longtime member Porcaro on keys, musical mastermind Paich on keyboards & vocals, and the dynamite backing vocal duo of Keys & Carpenter. Other highlights include a killer version of "Africa", with Paich & Williams delivering stunning vocals amidst rich instrumentation, a mystical "Hydra", the ultra catchy "Goin' Home", and a kick ass "Hold the Line", complete with Williams soaring to the heavens.
Though Toto have released a few live video releases in recent memory, 35th Anniversary Tour-Live in Poland is easily on-par if not better thanks to the stunning high-definition clarity, a great set list containing all the hits & classic deep album tracks, a blazing performance by the band, a loving crowd, and killer audio delivery. A fun behind the scenes feature is included as a bonus, but really the concert is the complete draw here. If you are a fan, run out and get this one as quickly as possible is the best thing I can advise . Another absolute winner from Eagle Rock!
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1) Intro 13
2) Medley: On The Run / Child s Anthem / Goodbye Elenore
3) Goin Home
4) Hydra
5) St George And The Dragon
6) I ll Be Over You
7) It s A Feeling
8) Rosanna
9) Wings Of Time
10) Falling In Between
11) I Won t Hold You Back
12) Pamela
13) 99
14) The Muse
15) White Sister
16) Better World
17) Africa
18) How Many Times
19) Stop Loving You
20) Hold The Line
21) Home Of The Brave
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
