 STEVE LUKATHER When Aicelle Santos first came onto the scene via her runner-up finish in Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 2, it was reasonably clear that she possessed a better voice than any newcomer. It’s considerably strong but pliable enough to varying degrees. In a way, one is easily reminded of a young Lea Salonga with traces of contemporary R&B and soul; that is, Aicelle appears edgy early on in her burgeoning career. Steve Lukather's new solo album Ever Changing Times has been released in Europe on February 22nd 2008 by Frontiers Records. (The album was released here in the Philippines last March 15, 2008 by GMA Records under license from Ride Records Int’l.). Luke is proud to announce this release with some basic album information and audio previews. In March 2008 a special Ever Changing Times promotion website will be online with all kinds of background information and more... Of course this website will be released by slagman.com. 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 in 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 sound 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 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. |
