Two legendary guitar heroes coming together for a night of magic. That's what you get on New Morning-The Paris Concert. Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather need no introductions. One is the consumate jazz guy who has been around the scene for about 40 years, appearing on releases by Steely Dan, Fourplay, The Crusaders, as well as a host of popular solo albums. The other is a fiery & technical virtuoso who has helmed the band Toto for over 25 years as well as released numerous solo albums and played many a studio session. Together Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather (who have been good friends for decades) got together for a tour in 2001, and this event, filmed at the New Morning club in Paris, France, is a wonderful capture of two professionals enjoying sharing the stage with each other and ripping through some classic material.
Don't expect a littany of songs here. There's seven cuts in total, which leaves plenty of room for improvisation...especially lengthy guitar solos. Jeff Beck's "The Pump" gets a super treatment (it's no secret that Beck is one of Lukather's heroes) thanks to some molten leads from Lukather, and Carlton's "Room 335" and "Blues Force" allow both players some room to weave some tasty, jazzy lines around each other. Hendrix's "Red House" sees both players divulging some down and dirty blues, while Carlton's "Don't Give It Up" is a launching pad for rocket fueled fusion from both players, but especially Lukather.
The crowd is into the show throughout, and both players and their band seem to be having a blast. The contrast in styles of both guitarists is striking, with Carlton's more laid back, jazzy touch meeting Lukather's speedy rock chops head on, but it works. This is essential viewing for guitar lovers of all ages.
Track Listing
1) The Pump
2) Blues Force
3) It Was Only Yesterday
4) Red House
5) Don't Give It Up
6) Room 335
7) Put It Where You Want It
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