Toto may be past its prime as a multi-platinum recording band, but Live in Amsterdam offers abundant proof that their performances are as electrifying as ever. Recorded in Amsterdam's Heineken Music Hall on February 17, 2003, near the end of Toto's 25th anniversary world tour, this dynamic concert serves as a cheerful reminder that Toto have been alive and well and recording steadily since 1978. The band's 2002 release Through the Looking Glass was an album of covers, two of which are welcomed here: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is a prime showcase for guitarist Steve Lukather, and "Bodhisattva" is a tight, meticulous tribute to Toto's original drummer, the late Jeff Porcaro, and his classic sessions with Steely Dan. The mega-hits "Africa," "Rosanna," and "Hold the Line" are perfectly executed, and in a band full of talented singers, lead vocalist Bobby Kimball sounds better than ever. Two impressive medleys show the band in full gear as a comfortable unit of seasoned professionals, highlighted by impeccable work from keyboardist David Paich, bassist Mike Poracaro, and ace drummer Simon Phillips (who also produced and mixed this recording for DVD). And while 35 minutes of Porcaro's backstage home-video might seem frivolous, it shows a band that's still having fun, as reflected in the beaming smiles of their appreciative Amsterdam audience.
--Jeff Shannon
25th Anniversary: Live In Amsterdam is the third live album by the rock band Toto, recorded and released on DVD in 2003, on the 25th anniversary of the band. It was recorded in Amsterdam during their 25th Anniversary World Tour.
Tracks
1 Girl Goodbye 03:43 2 Goodbye Elenore 01:53 3 Child’s Anthem 00:56 4 I’ll Supply The Love 01:20 5 Gift With A Golden Gun 04:48 6 While My Guitar Gently Weeps 05:45 7 Bodhisattva 04:55 8 Africa 07:08 9 Waiting For Your Love 06:29 10 Georgy Porgy 02:12 11 Lion 01:30 12 Hydra 01:25 13 English Eyes 02:22 14 Till The End 00:41 15 I Won’t Hold You Back 05:26 16 Rosanna 08:45 17 Afraid Of Love 04:41 18 Hold The Line 04:40 19 Home Of The Brave 08:13Media
Musicians
Bass - Mike Porcaro Drums - Simon Phillips Guitar - Steve Lukather Guitar - Tony Spinner Keyboards - David Paich Keyboards - John Jessel Vocals - Bobby Kimball Vocals - Steve Lukather Vocals - David Paich Background Vocals - Tony Spinner Background Vocals - John Jessel
Liner Notes
Producer – Simon Phillips Producer (Executive) – Toto Mastered By – Dominic Robelotto, Mark Waldrep Mixed By – Simon Phillips Recorded By – Peter Brandt Phonographic Copyright (p) – Toto Recordings Inc. Copyright (c) – Eagle Records Licensed To – Eagle Records Mastered At – AIX Media Group Manufactured By – Optimal Media Production
