If Falling In Between and Hydra got it on with The Seventh One and Fahrenheit at a club called Tambu, then the kid would called Toto XIV.
In a word: brilliant.
In several: Toto XIV is a complete change of pace from Falling In Between, but is far more representative of the Toto legacy.
In fact, if someone asked me what Toto sounded like, previously I'd be hard pressed to think of which album best represented who they are as a band. It always depends on my mood. Not anymore.
Toto XIV is a virtual greatest hits record, covering every facet of the band's classic sound, with a fresh contemporary production that's bigger than Ben Hur's big bits.
Toto XIV is a different beast compared to the band’s last album, Falling In Between, released some 9 years back now. There’s been a fair list of events to document in that space though. There has been the break up with vocalist Bobby Kimball; a live reunion to support Mike Porcaro (sadly suffering with ALS); the return of Steve Porcaro and David Paich to touring; the return of famed vocalist Joseph Williams (of Fahrenheit and The Seventh One fame); the departure of drummer Simon Phillips -with Steely Dan drummer Keith Carlock joining for the recording of this album (but now replaced by Shannon Forrest for the tour); a lengthy (now settled) lawsuit and not least of all, the return of original bassist David Hungate for the tour and also several tracks on this album.
I wasn't sold on XIV straight away like I was Falling In Between. But that goes to my previous point about the complexities revealing themselves over time and also the fact that while FiB was a true rock record, XIV is more laid back and inclusive of the band’s true historic sound.
This is a Westcoast/AOR record with moments of rock angst, much like the two Joseph Williams fronted albums.
It appears simpler on the surface, but the truth is it has a ton of layers, subtle and sublime arrangements and an underlying intensity.
Produced by CJ Vanston and the band, this record is the sonic equivalent of Gone With The Wind.
The word “subtle” gets used a lot in describing the songs here. The songs work far better as an entire listening experience. This flows beautifully as an album start to finish. So with that in mind, let’s go track by track:
Running Out Of Time is the lead track and our first taste of Joseph Williams back fronting the band. It’s a pulsating track that leads off with a definitive Luke riff similar to that of the opening to Falling In Between. But it’s a lot smoother and considered than FiB.
The bass of Tim Lefevbre (his only appearance on the album) thumps, but its Joseph that’s well in control. He sounds a million dollars and just sounds so comfortable alongside the unmistakable Toto sound in play.
The verse rolls along in quick time before a sonic blast of a chorus tears the song up.
Joe hits some notes not heard on a Toto record since The Seventh One while Luke’s guitar solo is measured and blended with some fine Paich keyboards, bookended by the song’s bombastic chorus.
Drumming legend Keith Carlock gives the sound an added complexity that continues throughout the album.
Burn is really quite extraordinary. It’s a song with two distinct aspects. A haunting verse and one of the biggest, most bombastic choruses Toto has ever composed.
Opening with an instantly memorable Paich piano hook and building slowly with a subtle drum fill and added keyboards, Joseph’s lead vocal is electrifying and simply devours the song once the chorus literally explodes. The bass line (courtesy of Lee Sklar) and Keith’s drumming delivers a rhythm section music aficionados will be in raptures over.
Just when the song couldn’t get any better, in comes some massive layered vocals only Toto can deliver. It reminds me of the mood of I Will Remember from Tambu.
The last minute of the song offers so much intense musical interplay that I found myself still discovering new parts a dozen listens in. Paich and Steve Porcaro’s piano layering in particular.
Lenny Castro as always adds percussion that simple cannot be described.
Holy War is, if anything, a defining Toto song. It just sums up this band and for me, sums up everything that I love in music. What appears to be a fairly simple melodic rock song is so much more once you dig beneath the ridiculously catchy chorus (where Joe shares lead with Luke) and the smooth melodic verse. Joseph’s vocals appear so simple, but listen to the execution of the softer vocal lines - such finesse cannot be taught.
The lyrics bite deeper than usual for Toto, talking religious hypocrisy and pleading for peace.
Luke’s guitar solo is classic Toto, classic Luke.
21st Century Blues is the first of several left turns in the album, with a distinctly Luke solo flavored track here, a bluesy mid-tempo swaggering song that could easily have fitting amongst his last couple of solo albums. David Hungate is playing bass on this track, the song is further Toto-ized with Carlock’s drumming mirroring that of the great Jeff Porcaro and Joseph Williams adds some fine harmony vocals.
The 6 minute track reaches its peak at the 5 minute mark, after which comes a flurry of piano and guitar dueling, which really makes the song.
Orphan is Joseph at his very best. Another extraordinary track, this song is a feel good rocker from the start. You just know something special is coming and the song deliverers, bursting to life with an energetic, melodic verse and a pomp-tastic blast for the chorus.
Once again, the song appears simplistic, but once you get further involved, you can see just how complex it is and the drumming is really exceptional. Luke again attends to bass duties.
My only wish is that the concluding part of the song featuring Luke’s lead guitar solo went for longer before fading out.
Luke is back on lead vocals (plus acoustic and electric guitar and bass) for the slow to mid-tempo epic Unknown Soldier. The moody, atmospheric five minute track has layers of instrumentation and percussion and a short, but decisive chorus, but the real joy of the track is the intense musical backdrop, which shows the genius of the talent in this band. The percussion and drumming in particular is another mind blowing display.
Luke’s constant touring in recent years has really fired up his voice. His vocals on this album are quite honestly the best I have ever heard from him.
It’s time for a break in the intensity of the album. And it’s time for Steve Porcaro to make his lead vocal debut on The Little Things. Steve isn’t that far from Joseph Williams’ tone and sounds great on this laid back, acoustic driven Westcoast melodic pop song. A simple song it seems, but the background layering of acoustic guitars and percussion take repeated listens to dissect. Hungate again appears on bass to give it that authentic Toto rhythm.
Chinatown is another song that only Toto could ever write. Or get away with! The song almost defies description, but I’ll try.
Leading off with a piano intro and a Paich vocal, there is a very quick back and forth with Paich and Williams trading lead vocal lines, but when Joe’s in control, he is accompanied by a bombastic burst of instrumentation, energy rivaling that of Burn from earlier in the album.
Then Luke buts in with his lead vocal delivered over a smooth jazzy passage of music that leads to the equally smooth jazzy chorus. Only Toto can do three lead vocals within the first minute! The subtle guitar/piano work is quite unbelievable as is the drums/percussion. So the song is jazzy, Westcoast pop song with a rock hook and a bluesy bass riff from David Hungate. Don’t forget the horns and saxophone. Genius!
It’s time for a sentimental ballad. While the second half of the album may appear softer than the first, this is the first real ballad. All The Tears features David Paich on lead vocal and some more outstanding piano work, with Luke taking over for the smooth, instantly likeable chorus hook, Joseph in the background on harmonies. The song has a really appealing chorus, a beautiful track all in all. Tal Wilkenfeld guests on bass on this and the following track.
Continuing a mid-tempo pace, Joseph Williams returns to lead vocal duties for the very smooth rock track Fortune. Another track that grows on repeat listens and features a distinctive Lukather guitar presence, not to mention plenty of Toto-esque special effects and percussion fills. Luke’s guitar tone is pure classic Toto. The closing minute or so of the album features another round of piano/guitar dueling that typifies the adventurous nature of these great musicians.
The regular album closes with what has to be another milestone song for Toto. This is just impossibly good. Mixing the history of the band into one track and reminiscent of the crazy good Dying On My Feet from Falling In Between, Great Expectations is a wild and crazy seven minute track. Starting very low key with some orchestration, piano and Paich’s vocal, the song quickly accelerates, moving from 5 to 95 within seconds, with a dashing slice of frantic keyboards and some thumping bass from Lukather. Joseph Williams then takes over vocals as the song goes from strength to strength, ramping up the pomp with every twist.
Piano joins in for a higher pitch, anthemic chorus before turning back to how it all started. At the 3 minute mark the rule book is thrown overboard and it’s a musical free for all. The song winds through a restrained guitar solo, some atmospheric arrangements, an ethereal medieval styled guitar riff before turning complexly insane, featuring a truly progressive section of classic Toto IV harmonics, keyboards, piano, percussion, guitar and then bang….back to one final epic chorus. Breathtakingly good and the perfect way to close out any album.
For Japan there is the added bonus of another Steve Porcaro song – Bend. What's more - it's all Steve on this track - he plays all instruments. The song features another quiet vocal, over a new-age styled simple arrangement. The song lasts just under 3 minutes and isn’t essential, but at the same time, is a beautiful, sentimental song featuring some classy acoustic guitar work from the "other" Steve.
Toto’s complex history is replicated in their music. No one does it like Toto does.
The long wait between records was entirely worth it. Toto deliver another all-time classic with Toto XIV - a record that hides it’s complexity within some apparently simple songs whose layers are pealed back with every subsequent listen until your mind is filled with layers and layers of instrumentation and orchestration. Sometimes you feel as if you are listening to an entirely different song by paying attention to the different aspects within them.
First New Studio Album in Ten Years Out In Europe 3/20,
The UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on 3/24
World Tour Commences In Glasgow on May 21, 2015
Frontiers Music Srl has announced a March 20 release date for TOTO XIV in Europe, with The UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on March 24. The album will hit retail globally, with specific dates for territories in Asia, South America and others to follow.
Fans can now listen to the second track to debut from TOTO XIV which is: “Holy War.” The song is available now along with “Orphan” as an instant grat track beginning today on iTunes worldwide when you pre-order: http://geni.us/TotoXIViTunes. You can hear the track here:
Configurations for the album will also include CD, with a deluxe edition available featuring a "making of" documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Additionally Toto XIV will be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt (large size only), and lithograph.
Toto XIV is a realized vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective genius of Lukather, Paich, Porcaro, Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between. However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.
Keyboardist Steve Porcaro reveals, "This is opposite of going through the motions. We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV. We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can. Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for." Keyboardist David Paich reflects, "I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness. There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, 'beams of light that blast through the darkness'."
As they began the process of a return the studio, all of the principle long-term members brought their A-game to the table. Guitarist Steve "Luke" Lukather offers, "When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody's performances are top notch. We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what's best for the music. I'm really excited to hear what people think." Singer Joseph Williams adds, "We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player. All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own."
The band will hit the ground running with an extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. The itinerary begins in Glasgow on May 21, and takes Toto through the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, and Belgium. Ticket sales came out of the box with strength, with some appearances selling out within days of on-sale. A North American tour will follow in the summer of 2015. The band is also in the planning stages for their return to Asia later this year.
The last couple of years have been active, with a seven show sold-out tour of Asia that took them through Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo in April, 2014. Also that month, the 35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Poland title was released, debuting at #1 in territories across the globe. Last August and September, the band hit the road travelling across North America as co-headliners with Michael McDonald, which when it was all said and done was their most comprehensive tour on the continent in years.
Toto also continues to raise awareness for ALS, for their brother and friend, Mike Porcaro, who has been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. The band commits energies towards fundraising for Police and Fire Departments of California and the Fallen Heroes initiative (http://www.fallenheroes.org/), and help the United Nations in their humanitarian endeavors through music.
GGM Studios, Official ToTo Italian Fanclub, is proud to announce the organization of an unprecedented event! With the release of the new album "ToTo XIV" will be held 2 release parties in Italy with the a preview listening of the new songs for all the ToTo fans and other surprises to be discovered!! The 2 events not to be missed are the following:
March 14th, Pavia, at the "FuoriOnda" in Cura di Carpignano, 10.30 pm
Guest of the evening with the great music of ToTo is the band "Mindfields" with special guest "HeLLeR Gratitude" , "Terry Power Music band" and "Marco Ferrari Project".
Info:( www.fuoriondalive.it)
The ToTo XIV Release Party represent a wonderful opportunity to gather all ToTo fans and make them absolute protagonists of the evening. For those who participate at the event, will be distributed ToTo gadgets and other cool gifts !!!
What are you waiting for !! Take note of this event right away..... we will be there waiting for you with the new album "ToTo XIV"
First New Studio Album in Ten Years Out In Europe 3/20
The UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on 3/24 World Tour Commences In Glasgow on May 21, 2015
Los Angeles, CA --- Frontiers Music Srl has announced a March 20 release date for TOTO XIV in Europe, with The UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on March 24. The album will hit retail globally, with specific dates for territories in Asia, South America and others to follow.
Configurations for the album will also include CD, with a deluxe edition available featuring a "making of" documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Additionally Toto XIV will be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt (large size only), and lithograph.
Toto XIV is a realized vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective genius of Lukather, Paich, Porcaro, Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band's first album of new material since 2006's Falling In Between. However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.
Keyboardist Steve Porcaro reveals, "This is opposite of going through the motions. We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV. We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can. Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for." Keyboardist David Paich reflects, "I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness. There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, 'beams of light that blast through the darkness'."
As they began the process of a return the studio, all of the principle long-term members brought their A-game to the table. Guitarist Steve "Luke" Lukather offers, "When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody's performances are top notch. We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what's best for the music. I'm really excited to hear what people think." Singer Joseph Williams adds, "We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player. All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own."
The band will hit the ground running with an extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. The itinerary begins in Glasgow on May 21, and takes Toto through the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, and Belgium. Ticket sales came out of the box with strength, with some appearances selling out within days of on-sale. A North American tour will follow in the summer of 2015. The band is also in the planning stages for their return to Asia later this year.
The last couple of years have been active, with a seven show sold-out tour of Asia that took them through Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo in April, 2014. Also that month, the 35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Poland title was released, debuting at #1 in territories across the globe. Last August and September, the band hit the road travelling across North America as co-headliners with Michael McDonald, which when it was all said and done was their most comprehensive tour on the continent in years.
Toto also continues to raise awareness for ALS, for their brother and friend, Mike Porcaro, who has been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. The band commits energies towards fundraising for Police and Fire Departments of California and the Fallen Heroes initiative (http://www.fallenheroes.org/), and help the United Nations in their humanitarian endeavors through music.
Toto will begin an extensive European tour in support of their forthcoming new album on May 21st 2015 in Glasgow, Scotland at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Dates have been announced and are on sale for the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia. See the full list of dates below:
The first quarter of 2015 has some massive releases coming your way.
One of the biggest is the hugely anticipated new TOTO album. The album, right now going under the working title Toto XIV, is currently being mixed in Los Angeles.
Band guitarist Steve Lukather tells me they are up to track 7 of 11.
He was also kind enough to drop me a new quote on the upcoming record.
Luke says:“This new music is amongst the best we have ever tried to make. It is everything people love and or hate about our band. Haha…
The songs have hooks and depth and the production and sounds and playing are filled with blood sweat and soul. We did NOT phone this record in for $ and a tour! This record was born out of litigation, pain and loss…and for Mike P who could use a miracle about now.
It has brought us very close as brothers reflecting back at a lifetime of amazing highs and painful lows.
Fans will be the judge. I hate hyping things! No one ever lives up to their own hype. We are proud of it though and have worked hard on it.”
And co-producer CJ Vanston added his own update for me: “We’re all excited as our first mixes for the new Toto album is finished. Good times at the Treehouse (my studio) yesterday as we were all digging the sound and direction we came up with. I couldn’t be more pumped, these guys have taken everything up a huge notch on this one!”
Luke recently announced the band’s 2015 touring lineup: “It will be Me, Paich, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate, Joe Williams, Keith Carlock, Lenny Castro, Jenny Douglas and Mabvuto...FULL European tour to be announced asap. USA + world to come as well!"
Previously Luke has commented on the upcoming album: "The record we're making is real hi-fi. It has that big, obnoxious production that people who love our music are really going to love: big harmonies, big synths, big guitars, big grooves, great virtuoso musicianship, and classic Toto melodies. Everybody sings on the record. It's very fresh-sounding."
Follwing the release of the Sweden Rock news, Toto's Steve Lukather has updated fans with a little more information on what's to come.
He states: "As of 2015 the line up will be Me, Paich, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate, Joe Williams, Keith Carlock, Lenny Castro, Jenny Douglas and Mabvuto...FULL European tour to be announced asap. USA + world to come as well!"
Previously Luke has commented on the upcoming album, which will be released worldwide in February: "The record we're making is real hi-fi. It has that big, obnoxious production that people who love our music are really going to love: big harmonies, big synths, big guitars, big grooves, great virtuouso musicianship, and classic Toto melodies. Everybody sings on the record. It's very fresh-sounding."
Late Saturday night, in front of a live audience of 2000 Rockbåten rock cruise passengers, the first acts confirmed for next year's Sweden Rock Festival were announced. 19 out of a total of around 90 acts were presented in a nine minute video trailer which can be seen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNLaUBVKW2A
Mötley Crüe have announced their retirement after December 31st 2015. This summer, their show at Sweden Rock Festival will be their only in Scandinavia.
Judas Priest have always received a royal welcome by the Sweden Rock audience, so it is no wonder that their only show in Sweden next summer will be played in Sölvesborg.
Toto have been around for 35 years, but have never played the Sweden Rock Festival. Next summer, the wait is over!
Backyard Babies put their career on ice indefinitely in the spring of 2010. Soon, they will be back with a new album and their return to the stages will begin at Sweden Rock, where the band has never set foot before. "We are absolutely psyched!" comments front man Nicke Borg and guitarist Dregen.
HammerFall, D-A-D and Dark Tranquillity are Sweden Rock audience favourites and we are happy to have them back. Thrash metal legends Nuclear Assault have not played in Sweden in more than 20 years but are now making their only Scandinavian appearance next year at Sweden Rock. Nearly 40 years have passed since the original line-up of Lucifer's Friend played together. The group were pioneers of heavy 70´s hard rock - now they are reunited. With John Lawton (ex-Uriah Heep) on vocals, of course.
Also announced are The Angels, Exciter, Rock Goddess, H.E.A.T, Wolf, The Quireboys, Delain, Torsson and Steve n' Seagulls.
The remaining 70 artists will be announced as they get confirmed throughout the autumn and winter. Tickets and more info can be found at www.swedenrock.com
Lukather: "The record we're making is real hi-fi. It has that big, obnoxious production that people who love our music are really going to love: big harmonies, big synths, big guitars, big grooves, great virtuouso musicianship, and classic Toto melodies. Everybody sings on the record. It's very fresh-sounding."
Toto's US tour kicks off tomorrow night in Grand Ronde, OR and continues through September 7. Full dates at: www.totoofficial.com/events
This leg of the tour features drummer Shannon Forrest and orignal Toto bassist David Hungate (both of whom will appear live with Mecca at MelodicRockFest 4 in October (www.melodicrockfest.com)
All-Star Concept Album Featuring Drum Legend Simon Phillips, Toto's Joseph Williams, and Uriah Heep's John Lawton Now Available!
Asheville, NC - Possibly the most anticipated new release of 2014, My Kind O' Lovin' featuring drum legend Simon Phillips, Toto's Joseph Williams, and Uriah Heep/Lucifer's Friend's John Lawton, is now available! Released on the heels of 2012's hit album The Power Of Mind, featuring John Lawton, My Kind O' Lovin' is another innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, and as of very recently European Citizen of the Year (2013) Dr. Milen Vrabevski. This next charity project of his is dedicated to young talents in EU.
Says Milen, 'I allowed myself to play acoustic guitar in just the title song this time. Nothing else. The team was just too good for my level. Happy they liked the pieces. Many thanks to the guys I started this project with, and worked on the arrangements: Ivo Stefanov and Svurry, and to the whole all star band for their devotion.'
Pulling up a chair at Classic Rock Revisited's Best Releases 2012 with Intelligent Music Project I, The Power of Mind producer Milen Vrabevski is setting a high standard of expectations with his Intelligent Music Project II, My Kind O' Lovin'. The producer's next charity project goes to support education programs for talented kids. Milen was awarded European Citizen of the Year 2013 (by the EU Parliament), and a Member of the Clinton Global Initiative.
My Kind O' Lovin' features a colorful, multifarious and formidable listening experience with hints of melodic hard rock and early prog, featuring the fabulous Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who, Mike Oldfield, Protocol II etc.) on drums & percussion - brilliantly bringing out the chemistry of this unpredictable format of vintage vocals from John Lawton (ex-Uriah Heep) and Joseph Williams (Toto). Strong melodies and acoustic patterns with impressive vocals of undiminished power - this hefty emotional pool comes across in a very melodic way featuring great lead guitar and spacious orchestral flourishes.
The author translates to the audience his own experience & vision about everyday life topics in an easy manner, focusing on essential values ' solid ground to step on to having a meaningful life.
Says Milen, 'The message of the album is what I, as an author, would prefer to raise my kids with. Frustration, constant criticism, and judging people leads to nowhere. Therefore, we present essential things about love, friendship, our own environment we should invest in, getting into substantial initiatives, knowing happiness through serving the others, not limiting our minds with prejudice while seeking togetherness, understanding our life is in our hands, finishing off with the principle that it's good to wake up knowing what follows is a great day, in which fame does not matter, and ego's domination is retrograde, and you enjoy to live for the others, doing things not because of the result, but because you love to be that way.'
'Get Into Real' - if there is a song from this side act that connects the dots with some of William's Toto-related cuts, this is it, but with hints of Led Zep to Asia nuances.
'Happiness'- a track so cool it deserves a trip around the world. You can take a magic trip through the positive messages of the album via Simple Game, Things We Can't Do, Love Song to the rockin' No One Can Deny It, Time To Move Along and other pieces on this hit collection.
'Conclusion' - a 6-minute summary of the composer's key approaches throughout the album and presents the audience with the magnificent culmination of the super group Phillips-Lawton-Williams, the front-men format of Intelligent Music Project II.
Recording sessions for drums (Simon Phillips) and vocals (Joseph Williams) took place at Simon Phillips' Phantom Recordings studio. Producer and composer Vrabevski was provided full creative input by Simon Philips in developing the course of compositions and musical ideas. Says Milen, 'We recorded all drums and percussion, and Joe's vocal parts at Simon's recording studio in LA. Simon devotedly played the role of our music co-producer there too. Now he's been kind enough to take part in finalizing all mixes of MKL tracks.'
Simon Phillips is an iconic English drummer and producer. He is also a prolific session drummer, and has played with such well known music artists as The Who, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck, Tears for Fears, Mike Oldfield, Pete Townshend, the late Gary Moore and many others.
'Working on this project with Milen Vrabevski was so much fun and I find his enthusiasm for music is so uplifting.' - Simon Phillips
Joseph Williams was part of four Toto albums ' Fahrenheit (1986), The Seventh One (1988), Toto XX (1988) and Falling in Between (2006). He has since re-joined the touring edition of Toto for a series of shows across Europe and Japan.
'Milen was such a joy to work with .. Truly a warm and bright gentleman. It's rare thing these days to work with such happy, enthusiastic talented people ... I had a ball!!' - Joseph Williams
John Lawton, who split with Uriah Heep in 1979, was featured on the albums Innocent Victim (1977), Firefly (1977), Fallen Angel (1978) and Live '79 and is considered the best singer around the British heavy progressive rock institution. After recording the conceptual album The Power Of Mind, Intelligent Music Project I, he joins the super group with Phillips and Williams in the second project of Bulgarian producer and composer Milen Vrabevski ' My Kind O' Lovin'.
'My Kind O' Lovin'....Intelligent Music Project II....was for me an absolute pleasure to sing, the melodies flowing out of Milen Vrabevski's head seem to be endless. The album differs a lot from The Power Of Mind, not only in that there are guest artist's in the caliber of Joseph Williams and Simon Phillips both of Toto fame but some searing guitar work from a little known Bulgarian axe man known only to me as Sverri. I spent 2 weeks laying down lead & backing vocals in Intelligent Music's new studio in Sofia / Bulgaria and believe me it wasn't hard work, not when the music is this good.' - John Lawton
