Once again Los Angeles residents found out how lucky they are at the House of Blues in West Hollywod August 23rd. An All-Star cast led by Steve Lukather, Bobby Kimbal & David Paich ended the night with a short set that wasted no time. The Toto trio was joined by Phil Soussan (Ozzy, Billy Idol, John Waite) on bass & Richie Onori (Larry Carlton, Rick Derringer, Heaven & Earth ) on drums.
Lukes group ripped through a set that included Tush (ZZ Top), Little wing (Jimi Hendrix) & Hold the line (Toto). It was a fun set as witnessed by all the smiles from the guys on stage & the fans in the crowd. Earlier in the night the crowd was treated to sets by Heaven & Earth led by Keith St. John (Montrose) on vocals & Howard Leese (Heart, Paul Rodgers) on guitar. St. John told me "Luke is one of the greats. I've played with some pretty good guitar players in Ronnie Montrose & Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio) so for me to say that is really something. I didn't know who was going to be on the bill tonight so when I found out it was the Toto boys I made sure I stuck around & saw the whole set".
Luke & Phil Soussan enjoyed guitar player Albert Lee's (Eric Clapton, Everly Brothers) set from the loft above the stage as they both cheered him on. Albert told me before the show about Luke "I love him he's a great guy. It's always a lovefest when we play together. Luke told me how much fun he was having & how it was also great to get to watch some great music too.
The night was a benefit for the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, a charity that supports music education and its many benefits through the donation of new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved school and community music programs and individual students nationwide.
Stevelukather.com, August 23rd 2005
