Larry Carlton No Substitutions: Live In Osaka CD

Lighting-fast phrases, spectacular solos, and soothing statements abound in this first ever "live" collaboration by two guitar icons. Larry Carlton on the left side and Steve Lukather on the right side are astounding on No Substitutions: Live in Osaka. This was the first recorded onstage collaboration of the guitarists, even though they had met nearly 25 years before performing in a club environment, and their first-take energy comes through loud and clear. Joined by drummer Gregg Bissonette, keyboardist Rick Jackson, and bassist Chris Kent, the award-winning guitarists perform a no-holds-barred set on five extended tunes that range from a 14-minute version of Jeff Beck's "The Pump" to the legendary Miles Davis tune "All Blues" and Carlton's signature piece, "Room 335." The tremendous interaction between Carlton and Lukather works extremely well on "All Blues," their frets working together in melodic harmony while displaying their original musical personalities. Amplified rock licks bring this song to another level that is devoid of any riffs in vogue on the jazz scene. However, Carlton and Lukather do remain true to the song's original series of five scales, and each solos until they've completed the series. This is one awesome blowing date and is highly recommended for all true rock and fusion fans whether you were there or not. ~ Paula Edelstein

One of the more underrated guitarists in rock is Steve Lukather. Best known for his work with Toto, Lukather is a highly sought-after session player, having played on countless albums by other artists, and has no problem adapting his playing to a wide variety of different styles. Lukather also finds the time to sporadically issue his own solo albums, and in 2003, he issued a live collaboration with fellow session guitarist Larry Carlton, No Substitutions: Live in Osaka. As expected, plenty of guitar showcases for each player are provided, especially on a pair of over-14-minute tracks -- "The Pump" and "All Blues" -- as well as an album-closing rendition of the Carlton classic "Room 335." Not exactly a groundbreaking jazz-rock guitar release, but fans of each guitarist should enjoy hearing each show their stuff on-stage. ~ Greg Prato

Recorded live at Blue Note, Osaka, Japan in November 1998. Includes liner notes by Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, and Matt Resnicoff.

Live Recording

NO SUBSTITUTIONS: LIVE IN OSAKA won the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

Personnel: Larry Carlton (guitar); Steve Lukather (guitar); Yoshiyasu Kumada (recorder); Rick Jackson (keyboards); Gregg Bissonette (drums).

Audio Mixers: Neil Citron; Steve Vai.

Recording information: Blue Note Osaka (11/1998).

Editors: Neil Citron; Steve Vai.

Illustrator: Gina Zangla.

Photographers: Robert Knight ; Ken Blaustein.

Personnel: Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather (guitar); Rick Jackson (keyboards); Chris Kent (bass); Gregg Bissonette (drums).

JazzTimes (5/01, pp.138-40) - "...A dream for fans of progressive electric instrumental music...sporting 5 extended tracks and excellent production values....If you take your guitar playing scorching and screaming, look no further..."