Back in 1977, a group of in-demand studio musicians in Los Angeles came together as the group Toto.
Today, after 30 years and a couple of lineup changes, the band still manages to play technically sound and catchy tunes.
With the addition of drummer Simon Phillips in 1992 and touring with studio bassist extraordinaire Leland Sklar for last year's "Falling in Between" tour, the band decided it was time for another live release.
Five years after the "Live in Amsterdam" DVD and CD, the band re-emerges with "Falling in Between Live." The double CD was released a few weeks ago, and the DVD will be released April 1 (no fooling).
"Falling in Between" DVD, released by Eagle Rock, is not rated and has a run time of 142 minutes and will cost $14.98. The CD's retail price is $17.98.
The band — Phillips, Sklar, guitarist/vocalist Steve Lukather, vocalist Bobby Kimball, keyboardist/vocalist Greg Phillinganes, guitarist Tony Spinner — take the stage and play crowd-pleasing numbers that span the band's three-decade career.
Reaching back to the first album, the band plays "Hold the Line" and "I'll Supply the Love" and takes bits and pieces from other albums to form the comprehensive set list.
"I'll Be Over You," "Pamela," "Cruel," "Don't Chain My Heart" and new works "Falling in Between," "Bottom of Your Soul" and "King of the World," show the band's preserved musicality.
Although some fans may miss hearing (and seeing) another live version of "I Won't Hold Back," they will be happy to see (and hear) a dynamic and progressive version of "Rosanna," from the band's Grammy Award-winning album, "Toto IV." And capping the show off is another "Toto IV" hit "Africa" and the encore is a rousing version of "Drag Him to the Roof."
In between are three solos by Phillinganes, Lukather and Phillips.
The set list is the same on both the CD and DVD. But, as in most cases, the DVD has more features. While no behind-the-scenes of the tour are featured, there are individual band member interviews that gives the viewer a peek inside of the collective musical minds.
Still, the CD is great to pop into the car stereo for a road trip or into the home system when you want to close your eyes and hear some tight professional musicians doing their thing.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com