A selection of new and reissued guitar releases, including Album Of The Month

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

STEVE LUKATHER

BRIDGES

(The Players Club) 9/10

Steve Lukather of Toto and countless sessions fame has a new album of eight songs, spanning rock riffers through to ‘adult chord’ blues journeys. You may well have heard the first single, When I See You Again as it gained huge viewing numbers during its first day on YouTube. With a big production and an uptempo straight-ahead groove it’s classic Toto hit songwriting, complete with Lydian changes, tight rock rhythms, an emotive solo and warm backing vocals from Joseph Williams. Luke knows blues as well as rock; the classy Take My Love shows a tasty swing rhythm, expressive vocals and a blend of arresting neck and bridge pickup guitar parts. Wonderful solo too with searing vibrato and flashy runs. The boogie-blues vibe of Burning Bridges is killer, greatly enhanced by Steely Dan styled chord changes. The closer, I’ll Never Know evokes a Toto and Pink Floyd marriage with space between instruments, echo effects, bluesy lead lines and keyboard-style guitar staccato rhythms. A reflective album that shows the guitar legend in fantastic form.