Guitar And all good Music: 2008-06-22

26 lipanj, 2008

Steve Lukather - Ever Changing Times (2008)

Ever changing times is certainly another musical gem to be added to the list of top quality productions featuring Lukather's classic trademarks: exquisite playing, finely crafted productions and a very diverse range of music styles, encompassing heartfelt ballads, straight-ahead rockers and fusion extravaganza. “It's been 10 years since my last "vocal" record”, explains Lukather, introducing his new album. “And I thought it was time to rock again and sing”. While his songwriting and abilities naturally evolved with time, one can't deny that “good music is always good music”, especially when the creative process was “done in the traditional way: guys playing in a room together and writing good songs”. The result of this new studio effort, which lasted several months in between Toto tours during 2007, are eleven songs which incorporate all aspects Steve Lukather is well known for. “The record rocks harder than Toto, but there is enough melodic stuff on there to please any Toto fan. There is also stuff that sounds youthful because my co-producer Steve Macmillan and my son were keeping me honest and up to date” says Luke, “It shows a lot of my influences and music I like. If it sounds good, then I keep it”. Steve of course could not make it all on his own. How could a musician that played on hundreds of records of other amazing artists could make it without some help? But this time there are some very special people and friends involved. “My writing partner / executive producer Randy Goodrum suggested that I should do this record. He got me excited to do something different and work with such great players and songwriters. I was also thrilled that my son Trevor co-wrote 2 of the tunes with us and my daughter sang on a tune and all my friends and amazing musos came out to support”. “I think if you blindfolded rock critics and played them Tell me what you want from me, they would be VERY surprised to find out who the artist is”, says Luke presenting the songs on the new album, adding “I also really like the way Stab in the back turned out. I am a Steely Dan fan and I know Donald Fagen and Walter Becker and this was a tribute to them”. Ever changing times offered Steve Lukather a unique chance to showcase his invigorating musical freedom and is set to give the listener a complete reward for his attention and dedication.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125197975/2008_-_Ever_Changing_Times__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125197557/2008_-_Ever_Changing_Times__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather & El Grupo – Live (2005)

El Grupo live is a limited-edition cd with the best moments from the El Grupo shows in KrefeldGermany) and the Baked Potato in Los Angeles (USA), during the Steve Lukather & El Grupo's summer tour 2005. The album is mixed by Lukather, Cartaya and Bob Bradshaw at Bradshaw's North-Hollywood studio. The CD will exclusively be available for purchase at the Steve Lukather & El Grupo shows in November 2005. There are currently no plans for this album to be issued on general release, either online or in record stores. The album will be sold on a first come-first served basis at the venues before and after shows. Song 1 & 2 recorded live July 8th 2005 Krefeld Germany by B&R Medientechnik for WDR2. Song 3,4 & 5 recorded live August 5 & 6 at The Baked Potato Los Angeles CA, by Robert Bradshaw. (

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125198567/2005_-_El_Grupo_-_Live__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125198350/2005_-_El_Grupo_-_Live__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather & Friends – Santamental (2003)

With the onslaught of instrumental guitar rock of the late '80s/early '90s (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, etc.), it's surprising that few six-string shredders assembled a collection of guitar-driven holiday tunes (Gary Hoey being an exception). Realizing a void in the market, Toto guitarist Steve Lukather issued Santamental in 2003, and the CD was reissued by Vai's label, Favored Nations, two years later. Santamental is credited to "Steve Lukather and Friends," with a supporting cast chock-full of renowned names -- Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Edgar Winter, and Gregg Bissonette. For the most part, Lukather and his comrades keep it "tasteful," without a lot of unwarranted arpeggio runs, two-finger tapping, or sweep picking. Most of the tunes here are of the aforementioned instrumental variety, but there are a handful of selections with vocals -- the undoubted highlight being "Jingle Bells," which includes some great vocals from Mr. Sammy Davis, Jr. (albeit sampled, obviously). Other highlights include a very Jeff Beck-like "Silent Night" (which Lukather even dedicates to Beck), as well as a rockin' take of "Joy to the World." If you're sick of the same old holiday songs, Santamental may be the highlight of your December party.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125177451/2003_-_Santamental__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125173971/2003_-_Santamental__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather And Larry Carlton - Live At The Blue Note (2001)

Personnel: Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather (guitar); Rick Jackson (keyboards); Chris Kent (bass); Gregg Bissonette (drums). Recorded live at Blue Note, Osaka, Japan in November 1998. Includes liner notes by Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, and Matt Resnicoff.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125179439/2001_-_The_Blue_Note_Tokyo_Early_Show__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125179473/2001_-_The_Blue_Note_Tokyo_Early_Show__320k_.part2.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 3):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125178552/2001_-_The_Blue_Note_Tokyo_Early_Show__320k_.part3.rar.html

Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather - No Substitutions (2001)

Lighting-fast phrases, spectacular solos, and soothing statements abound in this first ever "live" collaboration by two guitar icons. Larry Carlton on the left side and Steve Lukather on the right side are astounding on No Substitutions: Live in Osaka. This was the first recorded onstage collaboration of the guitarists, even though they had met nearly 25 years before performing in a club environment, and their first-take energy comes through loud and clear. Joined by drummer Gregg Bissonette, keyboardist Rick Jackson, and bassist Chris Kent, the award-winning guitarists perform a no-holds-barred set on five extended tunes that range from a 14-minute version of Jeff Beck's "The Pump" to the legendary Miles Davis tune "All Blues" and Carlton's signature piece, "Room 335." The tremendous interaction between Carlton and Lukather works extremely well on "All Blues," their frets working together in melodic harmony while displaying their original musical personalities. Amplified rock licks bring this song to another level that is devoid of any riffs in vogue on the jazz scene. However, Carlton and Lukather do remain true to the song's original series of five scales, and each solos until they've completed the series. This is one awesome blowing date and is highly recommended for all true rock and fusion fans whether you were there or not.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125177894/2001_-_No_Substitutions_-_Live_In_Osaka__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125176196/2001_-_No_Substitutions_-_Live_In_Osaka__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather - Jimi Hendrix Eperience (1998)

Live In Subrosa, Almelo, Holland.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125179927/1998_-_Jimi_Hendrix_Eperience__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125179641/1998_-_Jimi_Hendrix_Eperience__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather - Never Walk Alone Paradiso 1994

Candyman Tour - June 16th 1994 - Paradiso - Amsterdam - The Netherlands.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125109564/1994_-_Never_Walk_Alone_Paradiso_1994__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125108741/1994_-_Never_Walk_Alone_Paradiso_1994__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather & Los Lobotomys - Los Lobotomys (1989)

This CD features David Garfield (keyboards), Steve Lukather (guitar), Will Lee (bass), Jeff Porcaro (drums), and other phenomenal musicians rocking the Baked Potato club in L.A. Some original tunes and great covers, including Miles Davis' "All Blues" and one of my favorite versions of Hendrix's "Little Wing." If you're a fan of jazz fusion, you need this CD.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125107479/1989_-_Los_Lobotomys__320k_.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/125106792/1989_-_Los_Lobotomys__320k_.part2.rar.html

Steve Lukather biography

Best known as the guitarist for early MTV-era hitmakers Toto, Steve Lukather remains one of the world's top session men, having played on well over a hundred recordings by a wide variety of artists over the years. Born in Los Angeles, CA, on October 21, 1957, Lukather discovered rock music the way just about every single other young U.S. citizen did during the '60s -- via the Beatles. Starting off as a drummer and keyboardist, it wasn't until his father purchased Lukather a guitar that he found his true musical calling. At first self-taught, Lukather eventually sought the help of older guitar-playing classmates, as well as a formal teacher, which led to an interest in becoming a session guitarist (courtesy of drummer Jeff Porcaro and keyboardist Steve Porcaro, both of whom attended the same high school as Lukather). Right around the time Lukather turned 20, the guitarist was invited to join the Porcaro brothers in a pop/rock band comprised primarily of studio musicians, Toto (which also featured singer Bobby Kimball, bassist David Hungate, and keyboardist/singer David Paich). While Lukather would join the band, he also managed to maintain his busy session schedule, playing on albums by Leo Sayer, Boz Scaggs, Alice Cooper, Barbra Steisand, the Pointer Sisters, Cher, and Cheap Trick during the late '70s. Specializing in the same mainstream radio rock sounds as Foreigner and Journey, Toto scored a hit right off the bat with their debut album, 1978's Toto, which cracked the U.S. Top Ten, as did one of its singles, "Hold the Line." Despite the immediate commercial success, many critics gave Toto the tag of being a "faceless slick band," and it appeared as though it was a fitting description, as Toto's next two releases, 1979's Hydra and 1981's Turn Back, failed to match the artistic and commercial success of their hit debut. Just as it appeared as though Toto would continue their slide off the charts, the group issued one of 1982's biggest albums, the Grammy Award-winning Toto IV, a Top Five album that spawned such monster hits as "Rosanna" (number two) and "Africa" (number one), as well as a single that Lukather penned entirely himself, "I Won't Hold You Back" (number ten). The same year, most of Toto was invited to play on Michael Jackson's Thriller, one of the biggest-selling albums in pop music history. As a result, session work poured in for Lukather, as he played on '80s-era recordings by Elton John, Herb Alpert, Warren Zevon, Chicago, Lionel Richie, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Diamond, among countless others. Toto continued to issue albums on a semi-regular basis, but after deciding to part ways with singer Kimball after Toto IV, the group was unable to sustain their success. Despite juggling his busy schedule between session dates and Toto, LukatherLukather. Further solo releases followed (1994's Candyman, 1997's Luke, 2001's Grammy Award-winning collaboration with Larry Carlton, No Substitutions, and 2003's Santamental), as did further sessions (Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Spinal Tap, Van Halen, and the Yardbirds). managed to also launch a solo career during the late '80s, with the release of his 1989 debut,

23 lipanj, 2008

Warren Haynes 16th Annual Christmas Jam (2004)

Civic Center, Asheville, North Carolina USA, December 18, 2004. Introducing Warren Haynes to a sold-out Civic Center crowd, Asheville, N.C.'s mayor, Charles Worley, had run out of tributes. Two years ago at the annual Haynes Christmas Jam he presented Asheville's best-known native son since Thomas Wolfe with the keys to the city, while the 2003 concert brought an official proclamation of "Warren Haynes Day." Short of erecting a likeness of Haynes alongside statues of Civil War heroes-a veritable guns 'n' guitars brigade-about all the mayor could do was offer Haynes a heartfelt thank-you for returning year after year to put on this mega-band blowout, whose proceeds benefit Asheville's Habitat For Humanity chapter (to date, more than $250,000 has been raised by the concert). The massive roar that echoed off the arena walls suggested that the audience shared Worley's sentiments. On that note, the festivities commenced, with Haynes performing luminous acoustic versions of Van Morrison's "Ballerina" and his own "Beautifully Broken." From modest home-grown origins the Haynes Jam has evolved into a mini-Bonnaroo that draws fans from all corners of the country. That night they were privy to sets from Galactic, Jorma Kaukonen, Little Feat, Edwin McCain, Living Colour, the Neville Brothers and Haynes' Gov't Mule. Not to mention a slew of guest spots and a midshow acoustic segment highlighted by a pairing of harp legend Charlie Musselwhite and guitarist Alvin Youngblood Hart. Indeed, the unexpected onstage collaborations that unfolded have become the Jam's enduring calling card. By the time exhausted punters staggered out nine hours later at 4 a.m., some jaw-dropping moments had gone down, from Blues Traveler's John Popper blowing harmonica during the Nevilles' reworking of the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion" to Haynes and Popper joining Living Colour for a free-form tour de force of Hendrix's "Crosstown Traffic," to Haynes, Ivan Neville and jazz saxophonist Ron Holloway-all native Southerners-putting some extra Dixie in Little Feat's "Dixie Chicken." The true spirit of the Jam is perhaps best personified by the ad hoc supergroup fronted by guitarist Kaukonen. Along with mandolinist Barry Mitterhoff, Derek Trucks Band percussionist Yonrico Scott, Mule drummer Matt Abts and Widespread Panic bassist Dave School, Kaukonen slammed out electric blues to rival his Hot Tuna heyday. When Musselwhite and Haynes came out for "Baby What You Want Me to Do" the ensemble blew the whole roof off the sucka. Backstage during the concert Haynes frequently popped in to play the genial host to musicians, guests and members of the extended Haynes family clan. (Early in the evening he introduced from the stage his dad and the father of late Gov't Mule bassist Allen Woody.) Matt Abts wandered around grinning like a kid who'd received an early visit from Santa Claus, Col. Bruce Hampton had his hands rubbed by a comely, young licensed masseuse, and John Popper pointedly offered Harp his take on Haynes' collaborative prowess: "It's like he can walk into any musical situation, open up his briefcase, and say, 'Let's get to work.'" No shit. A few minutes later I observed Haynes being cornered by Living Colour's Corey Glover and Vernon Reid; within 30 seconds they had worked out chord changes for the Hendrix number. It wouldn't have been a Jam without a pre-Jam jam, so, the previous evening at Asheville's Orange Peel club, before an invite-only audience of about 700 people, Haynes and Co. played scaled-back sets broadcast live over local radio station WNCW-FM. Highlights included a mostly-instrumental set of hard funk from the Nevilles and acoustic blues by Kaukonen. With impromptu team-ups also the rule-the five-hour show ended with the Mule, Ivan Neville, Kevn Kinney and Dave Schools tackling the Neil Young warhorse "Rockin' in the Free World"-those of us in attendance at this intimate event were literally pinching ourselves at our good fortune. Verily, a weekend in the western Carolina mountains to remember.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124024331/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part01.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124024565/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part02.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 3):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124024896/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part03.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 4):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124025071/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part04.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 5):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124025130/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part05.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 6):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124025285/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part06.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 7):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124025263/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part07.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 8):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124025317/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part08.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 9):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124025347/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part09.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 10):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124015334/2004_-_Warren_Haynes_16th_Annual_Christmas_Jam__2004-12-18.part10.rar.html

Warren Haynes Presents - The Benefit Concert Volume Two (2007)

Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit, Vol. 2 is the second album to be culled from Haynes' annual Christmas Jam benefit concerts. The first, Wintertime Blues: The Benefit Concert, released by Evil Teen Records in 2000, chronicled the 1999 show. This one is taken from the 2000 concert, held December 21 at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville, NC, with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. Haynes, the Gov't Mule and Allman Brothers Band guitarist, leads things off with a couple of acoustic songs before turning things over to the Chris Duarte Band, which makes a strong impression with a version of the Band of Gypsys favorite "Who Knows." The Bottle Rockets, who follow, have more of a traditional mainstream rock sound than the Southern rock/jam band style favored by the other performers. The Christmas Jams are famous for arranging the temporary reunions of disbanded groups, and in 2000 the Aquarium Rescue Unit re-formed for an extended set, joined by Blues Traveler's John Popper on the lengthy final cut, "Time Is Free/Jack the Rabbit." Gov't Mule, sadly minus Allen Woody, who had died the previous August, is next, with Popper returning to the stage and also accompanying a set by Kevn Kinney of Drivin' n' Cryin'. Much about the Christmas Jams recalls the Allman Brothers Band, and finally this one brings the Allmans on formally, starting with Gregg Allman, accompanied by Haynes, doing "Come and Go Blues," followed by the whole band for a four-song set concluding with "Statesboro Blues." The concert is loose and friendly, with musicians coming and going, and is given over to extended performances of favorite songs, along with some individual indulgences. A good time and a good cause.

Download-Link (Part 1):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124166238/2007_-_Warren_Haynes_Presents_-_The_Benefit_Concert_Volume_Two.part1.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 2):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124166257/2007_-_Warren_Haynes_Presents_-_The_Benefit_Concert_Volume_Two.part2.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 3):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124166260/2007_-_Warren_Haynes_Presents_-_The_Benefit_Concert_Volume_Two.part3.rar.html

Download-Link (Part 4):

http://rapidshare.com/files/124164505/2007_-_Warren_Haynes_Presents_-_The_Benefit_Concert_Volume_Two.part4.rar.html